Post Doctoral Researcher in Experimental Analysis of Composite Manufacturing Processes

A short-term contract (~5-6 months) is available within
the Irish Centre for Composites Research for a postdoc with strong mechanical
testing skills and knowledge. Good chance of extension of funding. Details
below. NOTE: also open to people without a PhD with extensive R&D industry
experience.

TITLE OF POST: Post Doctoral Researcher in Experimental
Analysis of Composite Manufacturing Processes

LOCATION: Irish Centre for Composites Research (iComp),
University of Limerick, IRELAND REPORTS TO: Project Leader CONTRACT TYPE:
Specific Purpose (initially funded until November 2014 with the potential for
an extension of funding beyond that date)

SALARY SCALE: €37,750 - €46,255 p.a.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•             PhD in
a relevant area or equivalent research experience (including industrial
R&D).

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The purpose of the job is to provide high level support
to the experimental part of ongoing research on processing of thermoplastic
composites. The specific processing method currently being studied is
Laser-assisted Automated Tape Placement with in-situ consolidation. The
successful applicant will join a team of researchers including three academics,
other postdoctoral fellows and research assistants.

DESCRIPTION:

Applicants are invited for the above post, which is
funded by the Irish Centre for Composites Research (ICOMP), a Technology Centre
funded by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. We are seeking a talented
engineer with a strong background in experimental research on composite
materials. The successful candidate will be required to carry out processing
and materials characterisation/testing activities related to manufacture of
polymer matrix composites via Laser-assisted Automated Tape Placement (LATP)
with in-situ consolidation. This advanced technology has the potential to
replace large, expensive autoclaves, so is of great interest to industry. The
work will utilise a new €1 million LATP machine installed at the University of
Limerick and is aimed at material and process optimisation.

Responsibilities will include:

•             Oversight
of an on-going LATP parameter study (with assistance from academic staff).

•             Characterisation
of processed specimens using such techniques as mechanical testing, microscopy
(optical and SEM), and non-destructive evaluation (e.g. 3D x-ray tomography).

•             Analysis
and interpretation of data, write-up/presentation of results to the industrial
partners and funding body, and publication in high quality journals and
conferences.

The person appointed will have assistance from research
associates and technical staff. The successful candidate will be based at the
University of Limerick (UL) and the research will be carried out in
collaboration with the UL Materials and Surface Science Institute (www.ul.ie/mssi).

Essential

•             PhD in
a relevant area or equivalent research experience (including industrial
R&D).

•             At
least one journal publication listed on the Web of Science.

•             Extensive
experience with experimental engineering research methods.

Desirable

•             Experience
with polymer matrix composites and composite manufacturing processes.

•             Experience
with the automated tape placement method.

•             Excellent
communication and interpersonal skills.

The University of Limerick (UL) with over 13,000 students
and 1,300 staff is an energetic and enterprising institution with a proud
record of innovation and excellence in education, research and scholarship. The
dynamic, entrepreneurial and pioneering values which drive UL’s mission and
strategy ensures that we capitalise on local, national and international
engagement and connectivity.  We are
renowned for providing an outstanding student experience and conducting leading
edge research.  Our commitment is to make
a difference by shaping the future through educating and empowering our
students. UL is situated on a superb riverside campus of over 130 hectares with
the River Shannon as a unifying focal point. Outstanding recreational, cultural
and sporting facilities further enhance this exceptional learning and research
environment.

Further information for applicants and application
material is available online from: http://www.ul.ie/hrvacancies/

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday,
30th May 2014.

Applications must be completed online before 12 noon,
Irish Standard Time on the closing date.

Please note your application must include:

•             A
letter of introduction indicating how you meet the criteria outlined in the
advertisement and/or Job description/Information for applicants.

•             A
completed online Application Form (separate application forms must be submitted
for each post applied for).

Please email erecruitment@ul.ie
if you experience any difficulties