Job Summary Table of Additive Manufacturing

🔬 Additive Manufacturing Research Opportunity at Imperial College London

Are you passionate about being at the forefront of the next industrial revolution? Imperial College London’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking a talented Research Associate to join their cutting-edge team working on metal additive manufacturing technologies. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of digital manufacturing while developing innovative solutions for real-world engineering applications.

Job Description Summary

This Research Associate position focuses on developing and validating tools for qualifying additively manufactured parts using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology. The successful candidate will join the prestigious Mechanics of Materials research group, collaborating with leading researchers and industrial partners to advance the “qualify-as-you-build” approach in additive manufacturing.

🛠️ Key Responsibilities in Additive Manufacturing Research

• Operate advanced LPBF machinery and implement custom in-situ monitoring systems to track manufacturing processes with precision
• Develop and validate specialized tools for qualifying additively manufactured parts using laser powder bed fusion technology
• Conduct comprehensive material characterization utilizing cutting-edge techniques including X-ray micro-CT, fracture testing, fatigue analysis, and detailed metallographic examination
• Perform sophisticated data analysis to interpret manufacturing results and correlate process parameters with material properties
• Prepare high-quality academic publications for submission to leading scientific journals in the field of additive manufacturing
• Present research findings at prestigious academic conferences and industry events to share knowledge with the broader scientific community
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members including Dr. Paul Hooper, Dr. Catrin Davies, fellow researchers, PhD students, and industrial partners

🎓 Metal Additive Manufacturing Expertise Required

The ideal candidate for this Research Associate position in additive manufacturing will possess:

• A PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related discipline for the Research Associate position (or first degree for Research Assistant level)
• Hands-on practical experience with laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) or comparable additive manufacturing technologies
• Demonstrable proficiency with advanced experimental techniques including:
  • X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT)
  • Mechanical testing procedures, with particular emphasis on fracture and fatigue testing methodologies
  • Metallographic sample preparation and detailed microstructural analysis
• Strong programming and data analysis capabilities, preferably with MATLAB or Python programming languages
• Proven track record of writing and publishing impactful academic papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent communication skills with experience presenting research findings at professional meetings or conferences

Experience with optical and camera systems, particularly high-speed or infrared cameras and digital image correlation techniques, would be a significant advantage for this role.

🌟 Benefits and Perks at Imperial College London

Imperial College London offers an exceptional compensation and benefits package to attract top talent in the field of additive manufacturing:

• Competitive salary range of £43,003 – £56,345 per annum
• Generous holiday allowance of 38 days off per year (including annual leave, bank holidays, and college closure days)
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements with 60% on-site presence expected
• World-class research facilities and cutting-edge equipment
• Opportunity to collaborate with leading academics and industry partners
• Career development within a prestigious world-leading institution
• Access to Imperial College London’s comprehensive benefits package

🏢 Company Overview: Imperial College London

Imperial College London ranks among the world’s most prestigious universities, particularly renowned for its excellence in science, engineering, medicine, and business. The university maintains a steadfast commitment to expanding the frontiers of knowledge through innovative research, delivering exceptional education, and making significant contributions to society through practical applications of its work.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London is internationally recognized for its groundbreaking research and educational programs. The department consistently pioneers advancements across various engineering disciplines, with particular strengths in materials, manufacturing, and computational methods.

🌐 Additive Manufacturing Research Environment

The successful candidate will join the dynamic Mechanics of Materials research group within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This collaborative environment brings together world-class researchers focused on advancing additive manufacturing technologies and their applications across industries including clean energy, aerospace, healthcare, and automotive sectors.

The position represents a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of additive manufacturing technology that can transform how products are designed and produced. By enabling more efficient, higher-performing components while reducing waste, cost, and lead times, this research has significant real-world impact potential.

🚀 Career Growth Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing

This Research Associate position provides exceptional career advancement prospects in the rapidly expanding field of additive manufacturing. The role offers:

• Opportunity to establish yourself as an expert in the cutting-edge field of metal additive manufacturing
• Development of specialized technical skills with advanced manufacturing equipment and monitoring systems
• Network building with prominent academic researchers and industry professionals
• Publication opportunities in high-impact scientific journals
• Experience with practical applications that have commercial relevance
• Potential pathways to senior research positions or industry roles in advanced manufacturing

📝 Application Process for the Research Associate Position

1. Review the complete job description and requirements to ensure alignment with your qualifications
2. Prepare your curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience in additive manufacturing and materials science
3. Submit your application through the Imperial College London jobs portal
4. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews with the research team
5. Final selection will be based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with research objectives

⏰ Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 12 May 2025.

📤 How to Apply for this Additive Manufacturing Research Position

To apply for this exciting Research Associate position in Metal Additive Manufacturing, please visit the Imperial College London job portal.

For further information about the role, interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Paul Hooper directly at paul.hooper@imperial.ac.uk.

📋 Additional Information on this Fixed-Term Position

• This position is fixed-term and expected to run until 30th April 2026
• The position is based at the South Kensington Campus with hybrid working options
• Staff in roles suitable for hybrid working are typically expected to work 60% of their time on-site
• The opportunity for hybrid working will be discussed during the interview process

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion at Imperial College

Imperial College London is committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Two Ticks Employer, and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.

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