Job Title: Post Doctoral Research Assistant

Reference No: FAR066

Reports to: Prof. Ahmed Elmarakbi

Grade: E

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

Faculty: Faculty of Applied Sciences

Location: David Goldman Informatics Centre, St Peter’s Campus

Main Purpose of Role:

The candidate will join the iGCAuto project (part of the EU Graphene Flagship) to carry out research on mechanics of Graphene and Graphene-based polymer composite materials for automotive applications. This will include development of reliable model of material behaviour under severe conditions (i.e. crashworthiness, fatigue, fragmentation, etc.). The work includes new material modelling, finite element simulation, validation, optimisation, testing, and crash analysis of the new developed materials. Great emphasis will be given to developing new constitutive laws and novel algorithms to accurately model new graphene composite materials with different syntheses and to predicting their efficiency and safety behaviours and long-term performance.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

Faculty Specific:

Study and review available research data Develop new modelling techniques and provide robust numerical tools Investigate the findings for possible publications summarise the outputs/data and prepare for conference presentations Prepare journal papers summarising the research findings Submit the papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals (of high international standing)

Part 1B Generic to all Research Assistant roles:

Develop and implement a personal research plan and where appropriate related reach-out plan.

Undertake basic research for example by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments and field work, the development of questionnaires and conducting surveys.

Conduct literature and database searches. Continue to update knowledge and develop skills. Seek to exploit the outcomes of research. Assist in the supervision of student projects. Could be expected to contribute to delivery of modules for example on the use of research

methods and equipment.

Special Circumstances:

Part 2A

Qualifications and Professional Memberships:

Experience:

Key Knowledge and Expertise:

Essential:

Qualifications & Professional Memberships: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Solid Mechanics,

Materials Science or any relevant discipline.Experience:

Experience in graphene and graphene composites Experience in advanced composite materials Experience in nonlinear multi-scale material and structure modelling Experience in Finite Element Analysis Experience using LS-DYNA Experience using Digimat Strong analytical skills Strong background in solid and computational mechanics Published papers in high quality, peer reviewed journals

Key Knowledge and Expertise: Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline

and of research methods and techniques to work within own area.

Desirable:

Qualifications & Professional Memberships:

Postdoctoral experience in relevant research fields Membership of professional body

Experience: Experience of working in multidisciplinary research teams Experience of working at the academic-industrial interface Experience in fabrication of graphene and graphene composites Experience in Life Cycle Analysis Understanding of the fundamentals of composites production and testing Knowledge relevant to the preparation and use of graphene and graphene

derivatives Ability to organise and prioritise own work and organise research within the

project timetable

Key Knowledge and Expertise: Understanding of the research process Ability to maintain accurate and up to date records

Part 2B Competencies Analysis and Research

Designs and uses data gathering and analytical methods appropriate for each investigation.

Recognises and accurately interprets patterns and trends. Recognises when additional data is required and identifies appropriate

sources. Produces reports that identify key issues and findings.

Communication

Oral Summarises and interprets complex, conceptual and special matters to aid

others' understanding and aimed at their needs. Uses appropriate styles and arguments to influence and negotiate satisfactory

outcomes. Monitors understanding of others, develops approach and takes corrective

action if required.Written

Conveys information of a complex, conceptual and specialist nature using a range of styles and media selected to meet the needs of others.

Presents complex information in formats appropriate to non-specialists without comprising meaning.

Monitors the reactions of others and takes appropriate steps to remedy any miscommunications.

Decision Making

Independent decisions Considers wider impact of decisions, assesses possible outcomes and their

likelihood. Uses judgement to make decisions with limited or ambiguous data and takes

account of multiple factors. Distinguishes between the need to make a decision, when to defer and when

not to take a decision.Collaborative decisions

Helps others to explore options that initially appear to be inappropriate or unfeasible and recognise when a decision is or is not needed.

Enables others to contribute to decisions. Ensures that options are weighed, outcomes identified and chances of success

considered. Challenges decisions, appropriately to ensure consideration and processes are

robust.

Planning and Organising Resources

Suggests ways of improving working practice and use of resources. Creates realistic plans to achieve own deadlines and objectives. Monitors progress of self and or others so that corrective action can be taken

if needed.

Service Delivery

Has accurate and up to date knowledge of services available in own and related areas of work.

Correctly refers customers elsewhere. Ensures that the experience of each customer is positive and satisfactory.

Teamwork and Motivation

Helps to clarify priorities and ensure they are understood by all. Supports colleagues in need of extra help. Acknowledges the achievement of colleagues.

Date Completed: 05 October 2014