Research Assistant in Engineering

Wrexham University • Wrexham, Wales, United Kingdom • £29,179 - £33,483 / year • 2d ago

Fixed term for 18 months

Wrexham University is proud to be launching a new, state-of-the-art Centre for Enterprise, Engineering and Optics. This highly equipped facility includes dedicated laboratories for electronics, antenna design, Industry 4.0 technologies, and composites engineering.

Our composites team has a strong track record in using microwave heating for curing carbon fibre components, and we are now developing a novel approach using phased array microwave systems to better control distortion during curing. This innovative work is part of a multi-million-pound collaboration with the University of Southampton, where fibre optic sensors are being developed to measure strain in real time during the cure process.

As part of this exciting project, we are collaborating with our spin-out company specializing in the manufacture of ultra-precise optical components and systems using high-grade glass. Due to the weight and cost of these materials, we are actively investigating advanced material alternatives — with carbon fibre composites being a promising, though technically challenging, option due to distortion issues during manufacture.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join this project for 18 months. You will focus on developing microwave techniques and associated electronics to precisely control the curing process, using AI-based algorithms to optimise outcomes. Full support will be provided for composite manufacturing and final distortion measurements.

What we're looking for:

A background in electronics or a related engineering field
Experience or interest in microwave systems, composite materials, or process control
An analytical mindset, with a willingness to explore AI techniques for real-time control
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge research programme with real industrial applications.

Further details
Job Description

Wrexham University is a signatory to the Researcher Development Concordat and Research Integrity Concordat. The University is committed to the principles of these concordats and is dedicated to the development of researchers in all posts and upholding the highest standards of rigour and integrity in all aspects of research.

Wrexham University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates and will ensure applicants will not be discriminated against due to their protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. The University will make all efforts to meet your access requirements, please contact our Human Resources Team as soon as possible to discuss any adjustments you may need.

We welcome applications in Welsh and English. Any applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.

Welsh Language Skills: Welsh language skills are desirable

£29,179 to £33,483 per annum