Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate: Controlling surface roughness in additive manufacture through melt-pool physics

Posting Start Date:

28/04/2025

Job Id:

1009

School/Department:

Chemical, Materials & Biological Eng

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,249 - 46,735

Closing Date:

15/05/2025
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.


We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview

An exciting opportunity for a Research Associate exists within the Multiscale Materials Informatics and Innovation (M2i2) research group, led by Professor Hector Basoalto, at the University of Sheffield. The role is part of a programme of research that is fully funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) in a large collaborative programme with several Industry partners, including Airbus, GKN and Renishaw.


Critical for the implementation of additive manufacturing in industry is the rapid qualification of processes and components. For the aerospace industry and the stringent safety regulations imposed, certification can become a significant barrier to the introduction of new technologies with significant costs and time necessary. Digital transformations to process control and design can enable meaningful acceleration of the qualification processes. This research will focus on the development of melt pool physics to the predict surface roughness and microstructure of additively manufactured alloys, including aluminium. Models that correlate the manufacturing process to the part surface roughness and microstructure will be developed. The work will complement an overarching framework for accelerated digital qualification of LPBF being developed in the consortium by fellow researchers at Sheffield University.

Main duties and responsibilities

Obtain relevant industry derived data pertaining to the additive manufacture of an aluminium alloy. Develop melt pool physics simulations of the additive manufacturing process for the industry-based aluminium alloy. Develop computational methods for quantifying surface roughness (1D and 2D representations), based on predictions of the melt-pool physics. Use the models to develop correlative tools between surface roughness and microstructure. Propose model-based processing parameters for industrial printing trials. Refine the models based on feedback from industry trials. Work closely with fellow researchers at Sheffield University who are developing and implementing digital frameworks on LPBF technologies. Liaise, coordinate and collaborate with the industrial partners that are aiming to increase their LPBF productivity and quality using digitally enabled approaches. Generate regular project update reports and presentations and deliver them to the industrial partners at appropriate technical review meetings. Prioritise activities to achieve objectives agreed with the supervisors and project partners. Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant literature. Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.




Essential criteria


Have a good honours degree (or equivalent experience) and hold a PhD or be close to completion (or have equivalent experience) of a PhD, in materials science, engineering or physical science or any other relevant discipline. (assessed at: application/interview). Experience in the underlying principles and modelling of Additive Manufacturing. (assessed at: application/interview) Experience in modelling microstructures for Additive Manufacturing Processes (assessed at: application/interview) Experience in numerical methods for fluid mechanics and micro-mechanics relevant to additive manufacturing. (assessed at: application/interview/presentation) Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving with an appreciation of longer-term implications. (assessed at: application/interview) Ability to help and be proactive in the management of a collaborative project that has multiple industry and academic partners. (assessed at: application/interview) The ability to write technical reports and scientific papers with minimal supervision. (assessed at: application/interview)





Desirable criteria


Awareness of existing computational methods of connecting surface roughness with microstructure. (assessed at: application/interview) Knowledge of the requirements for digital threading, particularly in establishing digital workflows between physical and digital platforms. (assessed at: application/interview)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Duration:

Fixed term until 30.06.2027

Line manager:

Professor Hector Basoalto

Direct reports:

N/A

Our website:

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe




For informal enquiries about this job contact


Dr Gavin Baxter, Programme Manager, on g.j.baxter

@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in May 2025. This will consist of a panel interview and a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Amanda Temple at cmbe-postaward@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().

What we offer

A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more. Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles. Generous pension scheme. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel. A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks). Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role. A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways / Professional Services Shared Skills Framework. A range of generous family-friendly policies + paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
+ support for those going through the menopause
+ paid time off and support for fertility treatment
+ and more




We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.



We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.