Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mechanics of Materials

The Department of Engineering is recruiting a Post Doctoral Research Associate to join them on a fixed term contract. 

About the Department 

The Department of Engineering has approximately 60 academic staff and postdoctoral researchers from over 20 different countries. Our research aligns with the needs and challenges of industry and society. We achieve this by advancing knowledge in:  

• advanced materials 
• manufacturing 
• smart infrastructure 
• sports engineering 

Our department hosts a leading digital manufacturing hub (PrintCity ), with a wide range of equipment that can be used to make mechanical metamaterials. It is also home to substantial regional investment, including the £5 million Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Centre. Metamaterials are a growing priority in the department, with two academics holding leadership roles in the EPSRC funded UK MetaMaterials Network Plus.  

About the Project  

We have an exciting opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Department of Engineering, to work on an EPSRC funded project – ‘Engineering Twist'. The project aim is to develop experimental approaches to characterise enriched continuum models for mechanical metamaterials, and their extraordinary emergent properties. The project will focus on force/torque coupling (i.e. twisting under a uniaxial load), which is a clearly visible example of an anomalous property caused by metamaterial size effects and described by these enriched continuum models.  

The PDRA will join the advanced materials and manufacturing research theme which spans sports engineering, healthcare, digital manufacturing, and metamaterials. During the project there will be opportunities for the successful candidate to undertake research trips to enhance their skill sets with project partners at the University of Glasgow, École des Mines de Paris, Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, Rheon Labs, ANSYS, and the National Physics Laboratories. The PDRA will also attend national and international conferences to develop experience and networks. A key part of this role is related to developing research independence; there are opportunities to receive training and development in key technical skills (e.g., experimental and computational mechanics and digital manufacturing), as well as soft skills required for a successful research career.  

About the Role & Team 

You will join a growing team focussing on metamaterials research, within the advanced materials and manufacturing research theme. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work closely with a PhD student already recruited onto the project, as well as other project collaborators including Dr Keith Winwood (Manchester Met), and Prof Lukasz Kaczmarczyk (University of Glasgow, and founder of open-source finite element code MoFEM).   

Key Responsibilities 

The key technical responsibility will be to undertake experiments using various forms of mechanical metamaterial, to extract enriched continuum models (e.g., micromorphic ones).   

You will lead on these key project deliverables:

• Creating a testbed of micromorphic numerical models, and metamaterials.
• Proposing experimental methods to obtain micromorphic models under small and large strain, with coupled uncertainty quantification.
• Extending these models and methods to the low-speed impacts seen in sports and recreational exercise.  
• This will include leading the work of small teams of research assistants and/or research students as required. 
• You will also write up results of your own research and prepare for presentation to research team and relevant stakeholders. These will also be developed into journal articles, with members of the project team.  

Key Skills & Experiences  

This project will require previous expertise in computational mechanics (preferably finite element methods – with analysis being undertaken in open-source code MoFEM), and experimental mechanics (such as material characterisation, and full-field optical strain measurement). Candidates with expertise in either computational mechanics or experimental mechanics may apply – as there is potential for training to be provided.   

To learn more about role and requirements, please read the Job Description provided below.  

If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you! 

Application Process: 

• To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability, on the application portal.
• Please refer to the job-role requirements in your cover letter – giving evidence to how well you currently meet them, or where you may need to receive training or support to meet them. 
• For informal enquiries, about this vacancy, please contact Olly Duncan on o.duncan@mmu.ac.uk  

Assessment Process: 

• Interviews for those shortlisted will be held in the w/c 11 August  
• Shortlisted applicants will be asked to deliver a short presentation, followed by a panel interview.  

We believe in working together, sharing knowledge and valuing everyone's contributions. Develop your skills, further your knowledge and be part of a team who are transforming lives, every single day!  

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, including those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.  

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.  Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. 

 Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy. 

 Find out more about our story and explore our campus !