College of Science & Engineering / School of Engineering / Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids
Grade UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum
Full time: 35 hours per week
Fixed term: up to 24 months
The Opportunity:
This Research Associate position will contribute to the ‘Novel Implementation of LASEM Capability for Rapid Screening of Energetic Materials’ project within the Institute of Multiscale Thermofluids at the University of Edinburgh, which is funded by DSTL and in collaboration with the Army Research Laboratory – Aberdeen Proving Grounds (USA).
This project focuses on experimental measurements that provide quantifiable measurements of inherent reactivity of solid-materials by way of tracking laser-induced air shock phenomena. We are particularly interested in quantifying the net energetics of the gas-phase reactions and the pressure rise behind the resultant shock front to correlate to fundamental exothermic decomposition processes. We are hiring a PDRA who has experience with:
• High-speed imaging and/or
• Spectroscopy, especially Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
applied to reacting or non-equilibrium systems.
Strong candidates will have experience with high-speed imaging and/or laser diagnostics for reacting systems. Strong candidates will also exhibit the ability to learn new diagnostics and apply them for fundamental investigations of chemical energy output from laser material interactions. Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field such as Engineering or Physical Chemistry or Physics.
This project offers an exciting opportunity to work in a growing area for understanding the inherent reactivity of solid energetic materials with opportunities to be part of the first team to explore expanding the technique to broader classes of compounds relevant to industrial and consumer safety.
This role is UE07 and is available on a fixed term basis for up to 24 months
Your skills and attributes for success:
* Proven track record with optical diagnostics (including techniques such as high-speed imaging or spectroscopy)
* Experience with energetic materials or laser induced plasmas
* Strong track-record in publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively
* Experience with data analysis and interpretation related to high-temperature kinetics
A full list of main responsibilities and the knowledge, skills and experience required for the role can be found in the full job description below.
Click here for a copy of the full job description
Please apply including a cover letter and CV
As a valued member of our team you can expect:
* A competitive salary
* An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
* To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
* Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on ourstaff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on ourright to work webpages (opens new browser tab).
The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 15 September 2025.
Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.
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