Research Assistant in Polymer Composites for Offshore Renewable Energy Structures

The University of Limerick is calling for applications for a Research Assistant in Polymer Composites for Offshore Renewable Energy Structures.

The closing date is 16th December 2020, 12 noon, Irish Standard Time

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree (level 8 NFQ) in engineering or a science discipline of direct relevance to composite materials (mechanical, materials, industrial, manufacturing, polymer, composites or related subject).

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The University of Limerick is a partner in the recently funded EU Horizon 2020 FIBREGY project. The project is funded for a period of three years. The purpose of the advertised job is to support research in terms of composite materials selection, manufacture, characterisation and development for the purpose of identifying composite material systems suitable for employment in offshore renewable energy structures. The candidate will be based within the Bernal Institute at the University of Limerick (UL).

DESCRIPTION:

Essential Criteria

• Degree (Level 8 NFQ) in engineering or a science discipline of direct relevance to composite materials (mechanical, materials, industrial, manufacturing, polymer, composites or related subject).
• Demonstrated, relevant hands-on, practical laboratory experience in relation to the manufacture of composite materials with specific emphasis on Liquid-Resin-Infusion (e.g. Vacuum Resin Infusion and/or Resin Transfer Moulding).
• Demonstrated, relevant hands-on, practical laboratory experience in relation to the characterisation of composite materials (e.g. mechanical testing with appropriate instrumentation, thermal-mechanical, physical testing, effect of environment, failure analysis).
• Good technical writing, presentation, data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Team player – willingness to work as part of a team with other researchers and students (graduate/postgraduate).
• Willingness to interact/liaise with industrial and academic partners from different scientific and ethnic backgrounds.

Desirable Criteria

• Masters in engineering or a science discipline of direct relevance to composite materials. (Mechanical, Materials, Industrial, Manufacturing, Polymer, Composites or related subject).
• Previous interaction with industrial partners in collaborative industry/academia projects or  internships.
• Willingness to travel internationally (within EU) when required.
• Knowledge and hands-on, practical experience regarding processing of thermoplastic composites.
• Experience of failure analysis techniques (e.g. optical microscopy / scanning electron microscopy).