ACAD107853

We are inviting applications for the role of Research Associate or Senior Research Associate in Sustainable Composites Engineering (Sustainability and LCA) to conduct research on materials flow analysis and sustainable alternatives for polymer trim materials for aircraft interiors. This research is part of a £7.57m project, "Eco-suite", funded through the UK Government to mature and validate innovative materials and processes to underpin future wide-body aircraft interiors. The aim of the project is to address market concerns around weight, environmental impact, lead-time, and cost through the use of sustainable and lightweight materials, efficient manufacturing processes, and integration of digital technologies to develop a demonstrator. This role will be based in the Bristol Composites Institute (BCI), which is the largest composites-focused UK university centre with 250+ academic staff and postgraduate researchers. The Institute delivers sustainable composites solutions using fundamental and applied scientific excellence for the benefit of society and the global community. The role will also involve interfacing with partners in the Eco-suite project, based in different locations around the UK, through online and in-person meetings.What will you be doing? Your role will involve working with the project's investigators based at the University of Bristol and liaising with Safran Seats GB, the lead partner in the Eco-suite project. You will contribute to the Ecotrim and LCA work packages, and you will work alongside another researcher who will focus on the 3D Core and Ecotrim work packages. In this role you will:

• Survey the literature to identify and down select suitable bio-based and/or recyclable trim materials, based on their mechanical performance and sustainability credentials.
• Conduct a materials flow analysis for manufacturing processes at Safran Seats GB to identify routes for circularity.
• Conduct life cycle assessments of aircraft interior baseline and alternative solutions, working across the full range of work packages and industrial partners in the project.
• Develop solutions for secondary use cases of existing and future manufacturing waste.
  
  You have a good honours degree, postgraduate research degree, or doctoral level qualification in a relevant environmental science, physical science, or engineering subject.
• You have the ability to contribute ideas for projects delivering industrial or academic impact.
• You can work collaboratively and manage your own workload and research direction as appropriate.
• You have knowledge of sustainability assessment methods such as life cycle assessment.
• You have experience in computational modelling, for example CAD or with finite elements.
• You have experience in characterisation and experimental testing of polymers and/or composite materials.
• You have an interest in sustainable materials research.