Research Assistant/Associate in Design of Mechanical Metamaterials

Company description:

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description:

Salary:

Research Assistant £31,396 to £32,982 per annum

Research Associate £33,966 to £44,263 per annum

The Role         

Following recent success in securing an EPSRC New Investigator Award, we are seeking a Research Associate/Assistant to join the Creative Design Engineering Lab (Cdel) within the School of Engineering of Newcastle University. We are looking for an exceptional individual who has a strong background in structural mechanics and mechanical design, particularly the design, finite element analysis (FEA), and experimental testing of novel mechanical metamaterials. This EPSRC-funded 3-year position will be based in our newly renovated Stephenson Building.

Mechanical metamaterials have been of widespread attraction in recent years as a result of their unusual, but often desirable, mechanical properties. Such properties are, in general, not found in natural materials, but are the results of their engineered internal structures. The vision for this research programme is to systematically utilize the well-established science of crystallography as a paradigm for the design and development of novel architected mechanical metamaterials which outperform existing conventional designs. In particular, this project will focus on zero or negative stiffness (ZNS) metamaterials which manifest single or multiple phases of zero or negative stiffness during their deformation process. Such metamaterials could have desirable structural properties such as reversible deformation to be used for recoverable impact resilience as well as extreme damping properties. The main aim of this project is to develop a robust design methodology for the optimal design and performance evaluation of new ZNS metamaterials. This project could facilitate the discovery of completely new ranges of metamaterials with potential applications in various fields including sports engineering, impact engineering, vibration control, and soft robotics. The project is supported by our industrial partner QinetiQ, as well as the UK Metamaterial Network and the Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry.

We are keen to hear from applicants who have a keen interest in the design, simulation, manufacturing, and experimental testing of innovative zero or negative stiffness metamaterials. You should have (or shortly be obtaining) a PhD in mechanical, aerospace, or structural engineering or a closely related field, ideally with experience in analytical, numerical, and experimental mechanics and design. We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants who can demonstrate good organisational skills with the demonstrable experience of working independently and in a team.

This position is full time (37 hours) and fixed term, available with an immediate start date and ending on the 31st March 2027, with a view to extend.

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