We seek to appoint a researcher who will be responsible for cavitation erosion, tensile and fatigue testing of newly developed aluminium alloys for Additive Manufacturing processes. Applications from highly qualified, strongly motivated individuals are invited for a position of Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the project “Performance-driven design of Aluminium alloys for high-accuracy Additive Manufacturing” (PAAM) in the department of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (ECM) at Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, U.K. The position, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The position is a 12-month fixed-term role starting as soon as possible. The project aims to revolutionize how products are designed and manufactured by developing new bespoke and tailored for Additive Manufacturing (AM) aluminium alloys. This project adopts a three-fold strategy: creating hierarchically structured aluminium-based alloys with fine-tuned compositions, testing their performance upon AM, and validating the approach by manufacturing AM test parts. You will be in charge of this last part performing cavitation erosion, tensile and fatigue testing of the as cast and AM test parts, take acoustic pressure measurements and perform in-situ high speed imaging to study failure mechanisms complemented by microstructural characterisation and analysis. Experiments will be performed in collaboration with Brunel University of London and University College London (UCL) as well with a number of companies involved in this project. Ultimately, the goal of this project is to deliver a new class of high-quality AM materials with lightweight, uniform structure and properties, high rigidity, thermal stability, and designed functionality. The proposed research is expected to lead to high quality publications and impact in the manufacturing sector. You will join a vibrant, supportive and collaborative research team at Oxford Brookes working on the applications of ultrasonic processing and materials characterisation. You will be specifically responsible for the testing, characterisation and critical evaluation of the as cast and prototype AM test pieces. Hence a significant expertise and experience in using characterisation and testing facilities such as microscopy, SEM, cavitation erosion, tensile and fatigue testing, micro/nano-indentation etc. is required. In addition, handling and processing of large data sets, knowledge of data acquisition systems, signal and image processing as well as experience in measuring acoustic pressures in cavitating liquids and high-speed filming is highly-desirable. This is a team project so the successful candidate will collaborate with researchers in participating institutions (Brunel University of London and UCL) and interact with other researchers and engineers at Oxford Brookes University. Regular visits to partners' locations may be required. What Skills Do I Need? You should have a PhD degree (or close to completion) or equivalent in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry or another related scientific or engineering discipline, and should have a strong background in experimental research. In addition, you should have excellent leadership, good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English, a strong track record in disseminating research outputs, and the ability to work as part of a team. For informal enquiries please contact Professor Iakovos Tzanakis in ECM (itzanakis@brookes.ac.uk) Benefits As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year). We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly. We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team. In addition, all employees have access to: - Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities - An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages). - Discounted travel options - TOTUM card discount scheme - Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme) - Training and development opportunities - A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks, which instil a sense of community and offer employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making Brookes a vibrant and inclusive place to work. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background. As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria. Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme Disability Confident About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .