Research Fellow in Process Monitoring and Automation for Additive Manufacture

Organisation

Cranfield University

School/Department

School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing

Based at

Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire

Hours of work

37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered

Contract type

Fixed term contract

Fixed Term Period

36 months

Salary

Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £35,559 to £39,434 per annum, with potential progression up to £48,855 per annum

About the Role

In this exciting new role, you will work mainly on ‘Thermal monitoring instrumentation for metal additive manufacturing’ (PYRAM) project, a project funded by EPSRC. The aim of this project is to design and develop an innovative temperature measurement system, based on a novel multi-fibre camera-based optical design, for online process monitoring in wire based directed energy deposition additive manufacturing processes (w-DEDAM).

You will focus on developing a software which can efficiently collect and process the online monitoring data from the novel camara system and based on this perform process automation to the wire based direct energy deposition additive manufacturing (w-DEDAM). You are also expected to support the deposition experiments and validation trials on the w-DEDAM machine. 

In addition, you will work with other researchers and support the research activities of process monitoring and automation in other research projects. 

About You

You will have a PhD (or close to completion) in process monitoring of any manufacturing processes, data analysis of engineering applications, electronic engineering, or similar field, and demonstrable proven experience of integration of sensors, data analysis for industrial applications or research applications. You will also have a good knowledge of advanced data processing, system testing and debugging processes, together with a developing track record of publishing in high quality journals. Excellent communication skills, planning and organisation skills, and problem-solving skills, are also essential for this role. 

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here .

Cranfield Manufacturing (which includes major activities in Materials) is following the ambitious strategy of developing a roadmap for a Sustainable Manufacturing Sector for 2050 by applying fundamental science and thought leadership via conceiving and maturing the concepts of Smart, Clean and Green manufacturing solutions agnostically across all sectors and through all tiers of the supply chain with SMEs as well as OEMs. This is to support the national aspiration of Net Zero UK by 2050. We offer world-class and niche post-graduate level research, education, training and consultancy. We are unique in our multi-disciplinary approach by bringing together design, materials’ technology and management expertise. We link fundamental materials research with manufacturing to develop novel technologies and improve the science base of the manufacturing research. Our capabilities are unique, with a focus on simulation and modelling, and sustainability.  They also include work in composite manufacture, metallic glasses, nano-materials (graphene, coatings and sensors), low energy casting, thermal barrier coatings and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). 

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here . 

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are also committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role.  Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here . 

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners. 

How to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Jialuo Ding, Principal Research Fellow in Additive Manufacturing, (E): jialuo.ding@cranfield.ac.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: hr@cranfield.ac.uk or T: +44 (0)1234 75011. Please quote reference number 4230. 

Closing date for receipt of applications:   3 October 2022