We are seeking an enthusiastic person to join the QUB Biohaviour (biohaviour.com) team as a Research Fellow on a fixed term for 5 years or until 30 April 2026 whichever is soonest, joining our exciting programme to Re-Imagine Engineering Design. Our vision is to create a smart integrated design methodology that generates product and manufacturing systems simultaneously. Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) the RIED Programme Grant (EP/V007335/1) is led by Queen's University Belfast in partnership with Loughborough University, University of York and ten major UK industrial companies including Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Spirit Aerosystems.
Biohaviour is a bioinspired integrated design and manufacturing system that aims to observe the rules nature uses when designing the world around us, and to capture these in a system where they can be applied to engineering design problems. It is envisaged that by doing so it will be possible to design and manufacture innovative products, free from the constraints imposed on the designs of today by existing design processes.
As part of the research team you will be responsible for developing new ideas and concepts to enable integration of design and manufacturing systems. The focus of this work will evolve as we develop the concepts but initially this will be on integrating manufacturing cells with CAD systems, particularly a small farm 3D printers and CNC machines. You will have experience in the operation and control of these manufacturing machines and of using software systems to adjust and modify their performance. To enable this to operate over the cloud you will lead on the manufacturing elements and will work in partnership with other Biohaviour Researchers in QUB, York and Loughborough delivering a team solution for the whole programme.
The Biohaviour Team operates on a foundation of inclusivity and openness and you will have opportunity to be part of an exemplary team environment and a career development programme with an exceptional technical and leadership experience. This is an opportunity like no other working with academics and industry partners who are leaders in their fields.
The successful candidate must have, and you should clearly demonstrate this in your CV/Cover letter:
We offer excellent terms and conditions, such as:
Queen’s University Belfast is a driver of innovation based on our talented, multinational workforce. Throughout the University, our academics are collaborating across disciplines to develop new discoveries and insights, working with outside agencies and institutions on projects of international significance. We are connected and networked with strategic partnerships across the world, helping us to expand our impact on wider society locally, nationally and globally. The University is committed to attracting, retaining and developing the best global talent within an environment that enables them to realise their full potential.
We are a leader in gender equality and diversity, and are one of the UK’s most successful universities in the Athena SWAN initiative which promotes gender equality and career progression. We are ranked 1st in the UK for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, (Innovate UK) 9th in the UK for University facilities (Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018) and 14th in the UK for research quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019).
For full job details and criteria please see the Candidate Information link on our website by clicking ‘apply’. You must clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria when you submit your application. For further information please contact Resourcing Team via email resourcing@qub.ac.uk .
The University is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all. However, our employment monitoring data tells us that individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people with a disability and those who identify as LGBT+ are currently under-represented at the University. Also Protestants are currently under-represented in this category of work. As such, we particularly welcome applications from these individuals.
As you may be aware, Queen’s is recognised as one of the most diverse organisations in Northern Ireland. We are committed to ensuring our workplace is a safe, welcoming and inclusive place to work, which is why we subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena SWAN.
It is also why we have established award winning Staff Networks such as PRISM and iRise. These networks provide an opportunity for staff to meet in a friendly, informal way to support each other. More details on all our networks can be found here.
Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but, in particular circumstances, may be renewed or made permanent, subject to availability of funding.
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About Biohaviour
Further Information for International Applicants