Brunel Law School
Research Assistant/Research Fellow - 16914
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Research Assistant/Research Fellow - 16914
Research Assistant or Research Fellow – Supercast Project (ATI-SME Scheme)
Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus Department: Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST) Salary:
- Research Assistant: £36,640–£38,638 (£39,682 with progression), inclusive of London weighting
- Research Fellow: £40,757–£45,390 (£52,067 with progression), inclusive of London weighting Hours: Full-time Contract Type: 18 months Ref No: 5158
About the Project
The Supercast project, funded under the ATI-SME scheme, focuses on the adaptation of continuous fibre-reinforced aluminium (Al) alloys. The researcher will collaborate closely with TISICS, a global leader in fibre-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs), to advance this technological frontier.
Project Objectives
The goal is to develop a robust understanding of the key factors enabling the production of large-scale castings from Fibre-Reinforced MMCs (FR-MMCs), including flat plates and simple profiles, through:
- Analysing alloying additions, fibre surface structure, and processing parameters to optimise the interface between alumina fibres and aluminium melt for full infiltration under ideal conditions.
- Successfully casting Al-MMCs with full fibre infiltration in large specimens for mechanical characterisation.
- Testing mechanical properties to evaluate the performance and applications of FR-Al-MMCs.
- Producing solid cast parts (flat plates, profiles, or components) using FR-Al-MMCs.
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Key Responsibilities
Research & Development
- Investigate factors affecting fibre-matrix interfacial bonding in alumina-reinforced Al alloys.
- Conduct experimental studies to optimise fibres, processing conditions, and alloying additions.
- Develop and test large-scale FR-Al-MMC castings with mechanical performance targets.
- Analyse results via advanced material characterisation methods and statistical modelling.
Materials Testing & Validation
- Perform comprehensive mechanical testing (tensile, strength, deformation studies).
- Correlate test results with surface morphology, interfaces, and residual stress profiling.
- Work with industry partners (TISICS) to translate findings into manufacturable solutions.
Collaboration & Progression
- Engage closely with researchers, material suppliers, and technical staff both within Brunel and externally.
- Present findings at academic conferences or industry forums.
- Publish work in peer-reviewed scientific journals (expected outcome).
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- A PhD (or near-completion) in materials science and engineering, physics, metallurgy, chemistry, or a related discipline.
- Strong experimental research background, ideally in advanced materials characterisation (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, computational simulations).
- Familiarity with solid-state metallurgy, cast metal systems or composite materials development.
- Demonstrated technical writing and presentation skills, with proficiency in written and spoken English.
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Desirable Skills
- Prior experience in aluminium alloy development or mettalurgical MMC research.
- Knowledge of fibre-metal reinforcement interface mechanisms.
- Hands-on experience using casting techniques, including aluminum filtration, solidification analysis, or composite fabrication.
- Experience with analytical testing (e.g., EDS, XRD, microscopy) and data analysis tools.
Benefits
Brunel University London offers:
- A generous annual leave entitlement (including discretionary University closure days).
- Hybrid working arrangement.
- Career development support, including hallmark training programmes.
- Excellent occupational pension scheme.
- Quality health and wellbeing services.
Application & Further Details
Post Closing Date: 24 July 2026 Interviews: 10 August 2026
For informal enquiries, contact: Dr Chamini Mendis (Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology) Email: Chamini.mendis@brunel.ac.uk
Full Application: Brunel Careers Portal Technical Support: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Brunel University London is committed to inclusivity and fostering diverse representation in its workforce.
For specific role queries or accessibility needs: HR Systems: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk
Job Documents: Research Assistant Job Description | Research Fellow Job Description
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