Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Composites Manufacturing and Testing

The roleWe are seeking a talented postdoctoral researcher to work on an exciting €7M Horizon Europe project involving a large consortium, offering a highly collaborative international research environment. The project aims to develop a large-scale automated material layup process in collaboration with two universities and multiple international partners across Europe, including a renowned material supplier, automation companies, system integrators, and a high-profile RTO.The successful candidate will be responsible for the development and optimisation of a novel composite material cutting process suitable for high-volume automated or semi-automated material layup. The role focuses on advancing manufacturing efficiency, quality, and process innovation, as well as improving structural performance through experimental validation, finite element analysis to reveal the detailed failure mechanisms of tested components, and the establishment of robust design guidelines.The work will be conducted in close collaboration with industrial partners to support real-world applications. The post holder will develop the manufacturing process with consideration of industrial operating conditions to maximise its application potential when delivering a technology demonstrator. It is important to establish robust scientific evidence demonstrating the effectiveness and performance of the developed process, including its benefit to the structural performance of the manufactured part.What will you be doing?Developing a lab-scale prototype to validate the feasibility of the novel manufacturing process for dry fibre materialsInvestigating and optimising processing parameters to enhance production rate, accuracy and qualityEvaluating the effectiveness of improved manufacturing approaches on structural performance and quality consistencyConducting experimental validation through coupon-level and sub-scale component testingPerforming finite element analysis to investigate detailed failure mechanisms of tested components and support the development of design guidelinesDissemination of results via conferences and industrial partner interactionTechnology transfer and support to industrial users of methods developedYou should apply ifYou HaveStrong experience in composites manufacturing, including familiarity with automated composite manufacturing processesKnowledge of dry fibre materials for out-of-autoclave curingHands-on experience in experimental design, test rig development, and structural designExperience in structural testing of composites components, with the ability to assess and interpret failure mechanismsFamiliarity with non-destructive evaluation of compositesAbility to work independently and deliver tasks with minimal supervisionAdditionally candidates for a Grade J position would be expected to have: Proficiency in failure analysis using finite element analysis.Demonstrated experience in scaling laboratory processes to industrial applicationsExperience in non-destructive evaluation techniques for compositesDesirable Availability to take up the post at short noticeWilling to travel, including internationally, to attend project meetingsExperience in industrial or collaborative research projectsAdditional informationAboutTo find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding for 2 yearsWork pattern: Full timeGrade: I / JSalary: Grade I £39,906 - £44,746 per annum; Grade J £43,482 - £50,253 per annumThe grade of the role offered will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience you bring to the position.School/Unit: Civil, Aerospace and Design EngineeringThis advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 18/05/2026Shortlisting will take place on 25/05/2026Interviews are expected to take place on 08/06/2026For informal queries please contact: Dr ByungChul (Eric) Kim, b.c.eric.kim@bristol.ac.uk Our strategy and missionWe recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.Available documentsFaculty of Science & Engineering Further Particulars 2024-25.pdfACAD108543 - Composites Manufacturing and Testing - JD.pdf