Research Associate in Composites Processing

We are seeking two talented postdoctoral researchers to work on a range of exciting projects involving large consortiums of industrial and academic partners. This highly unique and innovative research environment aims to develop manufacturing technologies for next-generation aerospace composites.

About the role

The successful candidates will be responsible for the experimental characterisation of fibre-reinforced composite materials through the key stages of manufacturing: lay-up, forming, infusion, and curing. A range of conventional and non-conventional metrology methodologies will be explored. The research will investigate how material architecture and processing conditions influence the resulting quality of the composites. Expected outputs are novel characterisation workflows that are critical to advancing understanding of defect generation mechanisms arising from both material architecture and manufacturing processes.

The postholders will work alongside other researchers at the University of Bristol Composites Institute and the Ultrasonic and Non-Destructive Testing research groups and will contribute to an exciting Aerospace Technology Institute project and EPSRC research programme in collaboration with the universities of Manchester, Warwick, Strathclyde and Newcastle. More than 25 industrial partners are involved in the projects. The role will have opportunities to bring perspectives from both composites and non-destructive testing, and the opportunity to collaborate with other institutions and industry partners.

These are full-time roles; part-time will not be considered.

Responsibilities

• Design of novel experimental material characterisation methodologies
• Undertaking laboratory tests for generation of data-rich experimental results
• Analysis and post-processing of experimental results for use in database development
• Dissemination of results via conferences and industrial partner interaction
• Technology transfer and support to industrial users of methods developed
• Writing papers in both high impact and specialised journals
• Collaboration with colleagues, especially regarding experimental results

Requirements

Essential

• Knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing processes
• Experience in designing novel prototypes to investigate the deformation and defect mechanisms of different fibre-reinforced material types during manufacturing
• Experience developing material characterisation techniques to describe the constituents and architecture of fibre-reinforced preforms during manufacturing
• Proficiency in describing defects from measurement system data
• Familiarity with computer software for the control of defects or analysis of defects
• Ability to perform tasks with minimal supervision

Desirable

• Experience in industrial or collaborative research projects
• Familiarity with database structures required for analysis of test data

Pay

£39,906 to £44,746 per annum

Schedule

• Full-time (35 hours per week)
• Fixed-term contract: 1 September 2026 to 31 December 2026 (with potential for extension subject to additional funding)

For informal queries, please contact Dr James Kratz (Associate Professor in Composites Processing) at james.kratz@bristol.ac.uk.