Research Fellow, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

To be an active member of the NIAECC research team delivering on a number of industry-focused research projects relating to the
analysis, manufacture and through-life monitoring of composite structures, assisting in the planning of research and the development
of proposals so that the overall objectives of the NIAECC are met.

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. To deliver on a range of short and longer term research projects relating to the analysis, manufacture and through-life
monitoring of composite structures.
2. Identify the research and development needs of the industry participants through close collaboration and assist in the
development of research programmes.
3. Present regular progress reports on research to project industrial participants and academic supervisor or to external audiences
to disseminate and publicise research findings.
4. Prepare, in consultation with industrial participants and academic supervisor, material for publication in international journals,
and attend and present at international conferences.
5. Engage with industrial partners to include short term placements at partner sites.
6. Assist grant holder in the preparation of funding proposals and applications to external bodies.
7. Carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the research project/s to ensure that project/s are completed on time and
within budget. These might include organisation of project meetings and documentation, financial control, risk assessment of research activities.
8. Carry out occasional undergraduate supervision, demonstrating or lecturing duties within the post holder’s area of expertise and
under the direct guidance of a member of academic staff.
9. Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of developments in own specialism and related disciplines.

Planning and Organising:
1. Plan for specific aspects of the research programmes. Timescales range from 1-6 months in advance and contribute to research group planning.
2. Plan for the use of research resources, laboratories and workshops where appropriate.
3. Plan own day-to day activity within framework of the agreed research programme.
4. Plan up to a year in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for conferences.
5. Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress.

Resource Management Responsibilities:
1. Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.
2. Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.

Internal and External Relationships: 
1. Liaise, on a regular basis, with all industry participants and prepare progress reports for presentation to the NIACE Technical Committee.
2. Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.
3. Join external networks to share information and ideas.
4. Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by establishing links with local community groups, industries etc.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

1. Have or be about to obtain a relevant PhD in Engineering, science or related discipline.
2. 2:1 or higher degree in Engineering or relevant science.
3. At least 3 years relevant research experience including demonstrable experience in one of the following topics:
- structural analysis of composite materials and structures,
- manufacturing methods for composite components,
- through-life monitoring of composite materials and structures,
- the design and optimisation of composite components.
4. Ability to contribute to broader management and administrative processes.
5. Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by links with industry, community groups etc.
6. A sufficient breadth of knowledge of general design methods and engineering systems.
7. Ability to work in a team.
8. Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
9. Ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks.
10. Ability to communicate effectively and present at board room level.
11. Demonstrable intellectual ability.
12. Ability to assess and organise resources.
13. Excellent interpersonal skills.
14. Willing to travel to partner facilities on a regular and frequent basis.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

1. Experience of using ANSYS.
2. Experience of working with industry on research programmes.
3. Experience in proposal writing and research programme development.
4. A track record of high quality publications appropriate to stage in career