Research Associate position in Computational Mechanics, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton, UK.

Start date: between 1 November 2021 and 1 December 2021

Duration: 18 months (first phase of the project)

HOW TO APPLY?

The positions is not officially advertised yet and, in order to minimise delays in recruitment, prospective candidates are invited to contact A/Prof. Georges Limbert by email (g.limbert@soton.ac.uk) to register their interest by including a motivation letter hilighting how your skills/experience match the project and a detailed CV as attachment.

Job Purpose

To make a leading research contribution to an industry-sponsored project on state-of-the-art finite element techniques to simulate needle penetration into skin working with the PI, A/Prof. Georges Limbert. The successful candidate will become part of the national Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS). The successful candidate will also be expected to work closely with the sponsor and contribute to the planning, writing and submission of research publications.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.      Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and the department’s research strategy.

2.      Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3.      Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Southampton/ Faculty/ Department/nCATS, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4.      Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

5.      Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6.      Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

7.      Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the University of Southampton and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).

8.      Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

9.      Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

10.     Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and department, including budgets/expenditure.

11.     Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstration) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of Department and in consultation with the Principal Investigator.

12.     Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

13.     Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

Qualifications

The candidate is expected to have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computational Physics or any other disciplines relevant to the project.

ESSENTIAL Knowledge and Skills

1/ A good command of the English language (spoken and written)

2/ Solid knowledge of the theory of nonlinear elasticity and its application to various engineering problems.

3/ Solid knowledge of non-linear finite element techniques (theory, numerical implementation, analysis).

4/ Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

DESIRABLE Knowledge and Skills

1/ Working knowledge of non-linear finite element analyses in Abaqus.

2/ Working knowledge of arbitrary Eulerian-Lagrangian finite element techniques available in Abaqus.

3/ Working knowledge of arbitrary cohesive zone finite element techniques available in Abaqus.

4/ Python scripting/programming

5/ Working knowledge of Mathematica

Required experience

1/ Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, appropriate to an early career researcher (>2 years of post-doctoral research, less for exceptional candidates).

2/ A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

3/ Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

4/ Ability to demonstrate a degree of research independence.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be on the University's Research and Teaching Grade, level 4, £31,406 - £38,587 per annum.

The post is full time  with funding up to 1.5 years in the first instancebut with possibly to extend.

New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months.

HOW TO APPLY?

The positions is not officially advertised yet and, in order to minimise delays in recruitment, prospective candidates are invited to contact A/Prof. Georges Limbert by email (g.limbert@soton.ac.uk) to register their interest by including a motivation letter hilighting how your skills/experience match the project and a detailed CV as attachment.