Researcher in Composite Materials

IISE

A Post-doctoral Research Associate is sought to work on the Innovate UK funded project Thermoplastic Monomer to Automotive Parts (TMAP).

TMAP Project

The automotive sector is under constant pressure to reduce carbon emissions and bring down fuel consumption by reducing the weight of vehicles, with an increase in safety requirements. The traditional production processes for cars are still focused mainly on the processing of metal chassis and other components. Although plastics are extensively used, the deployment of fibre reinforced composites for high volumes of cars is still in the pioneering phase. The project will develop innovative product functionalities which will lead to a remarkable impact for both producers and users as follows:

• The functionalities provided by the new products made with integrated composites will not increase product cost by more than 10% when compared to conventional products. 
• Improve product performance in the targeted functionalities of more than 20% .

This collaborative project is led by FAR-UK Ltd with M.Wright & Sons Ltd, Oxford Advanced Services Limited and University of Derby as collaborative partners.

We are looking for an enthusiatic and committed researcher to join a vibrant research group within our Innovation Institute. This is an excellent opportunity to conduct research in a multi-disciplinary environment with additional opportunities to interact with our Industrial project partners.

You will be based at the University of Derby's Innovation Institute, Lonsdale House.

You will have theoretical knowledge and practical experience of Finite Element Analysis using ABAQUS or similar packages, programming languages (e.g. FORTRAN), experience in writing user-defined subroutines applied to composite and/or advanced material behaviour simulations.  Experience in open source FEA/CFD packages and High Performance Computing is also desirable. 

This position has funding for 34 months and is available from 1 March 2018 (subject to finalisation of contract). 

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Angelo R Maligno; email: a.maligno@derby.ac.uk 

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