Fixed Term until 30 September 2018
Based within the Centre for Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (MME) at Coventry University the post holder will be working on 2 exciting and innovative projects which aim to develop methods to metallise a range of non-conductive materials such as textiles, fabrics and polymers such as PDMS. The projects are funded by Innovate UK and the European Commission via the H2020 programme.
The RA will be involved in the optimisation (formulation and operating conditions) of electroless plating processes such as Cu, Ni-P and Ni-B as well as their associated pre-treatment processes, in particular the catalysation step. They will also be expected to characterise the electroless deposits in terms of their mechanical properties, morphology and chemical nature. In addition the biocompatibility of the deposits must be determined. The RA will be expected to ensure knowledge transfer of the developed metallisation processes to the industrial partners and support scale-up.
These projects will provide the appointed person with the opportunity to work with experts in electrochemical deposition processes within the Functional Materials Group at Coventry University. The highly innovative aspects of the projects, together with the opportunity to work in a joint industrial and academic consortium are an invaluable combination for someone who wants to become a future leader in high value manufacturing.
The package will offer the opportunity to travel within the UK and Europe and work closely with the industrial partners in the consortium.
Applicants must have a PhD in a chemistry or materials based subject, preferably electrochemistry. A background in electrochemical deposition systems (particularly electroless plating and pre-treatment processes) would be extremely advantageous as would any previous experience of determining the biocompatibility of metals. Expertise in techniques to determine the mechanical properties of metal deposits and their morphology and chemical nature (e.g. FEGSEM, EDX) would be desirable. The successful candidate will have excellent R&D skills, understand project management and be extremely adaptable and flexible. The appointed person will be able to work to tight timescales, have the ability to communicate effectively and present research results clearly and concisely at consortium meetings and to integrate quickly and effectively into a multi-national research team. The candidate must be willing and able to travel extensively within the UK and Europe.
The successful candidate should have a strong track record in publishing high quality research papers (or demonstrate a plan to do so) and be keen to present at prestigious international conferences
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