Applications are invited for the position of are invited for a Research Associate position within the Physics of Fluids and Soft Matter group in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Manchester. You will join a vibrant team of researchers at the forefront of research on fluid-structure interactions.
We are seeking to appoint someone with research experience either in wave dynamics and/or the mechanics of flexible structures. The post, under the supervision of Dr Finn Box, must commence before 1st July 2025 and will focus on investigating floating metamaterials and their fluid-structure interactions with surface waves. You are required to hold, or about to obtain, a PhD (or equivalent) in physics, engineering, or applied mathematics. The successful applicant is expected to have experience investigating mechanical metamaterials and/or wave dynamics by performing experiments. Although we welcome applications from both experimentalist and modellers with a proven capacity to collaborate effectively within a diverse team. You should be well-organised and self-motivated with excellent communication skills. A strong publication record in internationally peer-reviewed journals is advantageous.
The purpose of the role is to perform experiments to test the feasibility of using a floating mechanical metamaterial to attenuate propagating water waves. This will involve imaging the dynamic reconfiguration of a metamaterial structure due to incoming waves and measuring the resultant attenuation of passing waves. The appointed PDRA will (i) design and fabricate the metamaterial platform arrays, (ii) set up data acquisition systems including wave gauges, motion capture and image acquisition systems, (iii) acquire experimental data in a wave flume, (iv) perform numerical simulations to evaluate the response of the metamaterial to wave loading, (v) process data, interpret results and disseminate findings.
Along with your application, you should submit a single file containing your CV, list of publications, and research statement (max 2 pages).
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Access through contributing to the University’s social responsibility agenda, demonstrating a commitment to its policies, activities and delivery of initiatives including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education. The Department has held JUNO Champion status since 2016 for its commitment to achieving gender equality which positively promotes inclusivity for all.
We support applications from those returning from a career break and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements.
For further information, please visit http://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/
What you will get in return:
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Finn Box
Email: finn.box@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
