Senior Research Associate in 4D Printing of Liquid-Crystal Elastomers

Senior Research Associate in 4D Printing of Liquid-Crystal Elastomers

Join to apply for the Senior Research Associate in 4D Printing of Liquid-Crystal Elastomers role at University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience.

Overview

The role supports the PI (Dr Rainer Groh) in delivering an ambitious UK Research & Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship project. The successful candidate will tailor the spatial distribution of nematic directors in Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) using Direct Ink Writing to morph 2D printed geometries into target 3D shapes under various stimuli. An additional area of novelty will be to explore how short carbon fibres can reinforce LCEs and how fibre directionality interacts with nematic director orientation.

What you will be doing

• Establish a 3D / 4D printing laboratory based on a DIW printer
• Print LCEs with spatially tailored nematic directors so that structures morph between flat as-printed geometries and target 3D shapes
• Develop methods to reinforce LCEs with recycled carbon fibres to enhance mechanical properties and morphing capabilities
• Characterise and test the printed structures at the University of Bristol and project partners
• Use or implement computational software that predicts and designs distributions of nematic directors / fibre orientations to achieve target 3D shapes

You should apply if

Additional information

For informal queries please contact : Dr Rainer Groh (rainer.groh@bristol.ac.uk)

About

Contract type : Open ended with fixed funding until 30 / 11 / 2029

Work pattern : Full time

Grade : J

Salary : £43,482 - £50,253 per annum

School / Unit : Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering

This advert will close at 23 : 59 UK time on Wednesday 29th October. Interview dates will be confirmed in due course.

We are committed to an inclusive working environment and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

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