Research Associate - Additive Manufacturing (AKT) FTC 3 months

Closing Date: 18 October 2026

Interview Date: 26/27 October 2026

If you are invited to interview for this role, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and if on a visa, current visa and status. Funding for this post stipulates that Associates must be in role within 6 weeks of funding being confirmed, therefore we are unable to offer visa sponsorship to the successful candidate.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

Job Description

Job Title: Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Research Associate - Additive Manufacturing

College/Professional Service: College of Creative, Arts, Technology and Engineering

Grade: F

Location: High Wycombe

Hours: 18.5

Responsible to: Professor Javaid Butt

Responsible for: n/a

Job Purpose

To support an industry focused research project in collaboration with Sundance Multiprocessor Technology Ltd by conducting research, analysing results, and generating original ideas.

Through the Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project, you will be working in partnership with Sundance Multiprocessor Technology Ltd and BNU’s College of Creative, Arts, Technology, and Engineering. This is a unique chance to utilise your academic achievements and develop your knowledge of 3D printing in an industrial setting. You will lead on research that will inform Sundance Multiprocessor Technology Ltd on how to design for additive manufacturing and adopt the technology into their manufacturing processes to maximise the company’s return on investment in this area. The AKT project forms the beginning of a collaboration between BNU and Sundance Multiprocessor Technology Ltd and will develop and document a detailed understanding of how Sundance Multiprocessor Technology Ltd could change their manufacturing processes to adopt new and emerging additive technologies.

Through your research you will practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves. This is a 3 month Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Project partly funded by Innovate UK.

Main Duties & Responsibilities Of The Role

• With supervision from the academic team at BNU’s College of Creative, Arts, Technology and Engineering, undertake research into the design for additive manufacturing and metal 3D printing for embedding into the design and manufacturing processes of Sundance Multiprocessor Technology Ltd.
• With support from the Innovation Manager at Sundance Multiprocessor Technology Ltd, conduct an audit of the design, materials, and manufacturing processes at Sundance Multiprocessor Technology Ltd.
• Conduct literature and database searches to understand the full breadth of metal 3D printing technologies and associated materials.
• Prepare and carry out tests to understand the effectiveness of 3D printing in relation to Sundance Multiprocessor Technology Ltd’s manufacturing requirements for product design, sustainability, and productivity.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings, presenting information on research progress and outcomes to the project team, to include senior stakeholders at BNU and Sundance Multiprocessor Technology Ltd.
• Actively participate as a member of a research team and take autonomy over own research tasks.
• Track expenditure against a set budget and provide reports as required.
• Make use of standard research techniques and methods and computer assisted data analysis techniques.
• Deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Plan own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed project.
• Contribute to and/or produce research reports presenting findings from primary and secondary research.
• Produce an end of project report detailing recommendations for Sundance Multiprocessor Technology Ltd.
• Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
• Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION - Essential Criteria Only

Education, Qualifications & Training

Means of Testing

• MSc or higher in relevant field - 3D printing, Mechanical Engineering, Additive Manufacturing, or Design Engineering

Knowledge & Experience

Means of Testing

• Delivering an excellent customer experience
• The ability to write clearly and concisely and to contribute to reports.
• The ability to produce highly accurate work and high quality documentation
• Able to work as part of a team
• Computer database skills

Skills

Means of Testing

• Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with all stakeholders
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Ability to be flexible and to respond to changing priorities in a busy environment

Special Requirements

• A willingness and ability to work in off-site locations

Behavioural INDICATORS

Managing Self And Personal Skills

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the values and ethos of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:

• Being aware of own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
• Finding solutions
• Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
• Working together
• Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.