Research Assistant / Associate in Computational Mechanics (Fixed Term)

We are starting a new project with the aim to transform the design of engineering components from one based on selecting a best single material to one in which material properties and compositions are treated as continuous, spatially varying quantities. The project will amongst other things use (i) lab-based flux enhanced tomography for full field measurement of deformation fields and X-ray diffraction measurements of volumetric stress coupled to novel specimen designs, and (ii) associated data-driven material model discovery techniques. Connected to this we are looking for a Research Assistant/Associate to work in the computational aspects to the project with specific skills in finite element methods, using the software ABAQUS, writing user material models (UMATs) and coupling ABAQUS to external codes using the ABAQUS Python interface.

The project is a collaborative project being conducted along with partner universities in the US. The role holder is expected to not only collaborate extensively within the research group at Cambridge but also our external partners. This includes regular meetings, joint publications etc. The role holders are also expected to assist with grant administration and in writing reports for funding bodies.

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the roles are wide. The specific skills include an excellent working knowledge of finite element techniques and computational methods. The applicant will have obtained or be close to obtaining a PhD in Mechanics of Materials and specialising in Solid Mechanics

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant: £32,296 - £34,866 Research Associate: £36,924 - £45,163

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.