University of Derby

UNIVERSITY OF DERBY

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE / Researcher in Product and Process Development (fixed term 36 months)
DEPARTMENT / Research, Innovation and Academic Enterprise – Innovation Institute at Lonsdale House, University of Derby
LOCATION / Derby (Lonsdale House) and Chesterfield
JOB NUMBER / 0265-17 / SALARY / £23,879 to £26,052 per annum
REPORTS TO / Responsible to the Reader in Advanced Manufacturing
Role Summary
The post seeks to appoint a suitable candidate who will provide technical support in delivering projects to key clients centered on product and process development. A significant part of your time will be allocated to delivering projects to SMEs under a European Regional Development Funded (ERDF) programme operating within the University of Derby’s Innovation Institute.
Your role will expect you to deliver assigned research tasks centered on product and process development typically using 3D print manufacturing and scanning/reverse engineering; to contribute to the planning and delivery of workshops; to support delivery of demonstrations and presentations; to research, design and make devices or develop processes using CAD and CAE software; to develop and undertake laboratory evaluations of materials or products, for example mechanical testing and SEM microscopy.
You will be expected to have gained an appropriate level of experience in product and / or process development commensurate with the level of the post advertised. You will have a basic, but demonstrable proficiency in research methods and in the use of CAD and FEA software to support project work. Basic knowledge of materials and their characteristics to support product/process development is essential. Your role will also include mechanical testing of products and materials to verify the product meets the criteria defined. Knowledge of advanced manufacturing processes would be an advantage.
You will be based at both the University of Derby’s Innovation Institute, and a minimum of one day per week at the Chesterfield campus over the duration of the ERDF funded programme.
Principal Accountabilities
The principal responsibilities of the role are:
1.  Deliver assigned research tasks centered on product and process development allocated to you by your line manager.
2.  Contribute to the planning and delivery of workshops to include delivery of demonstrations and presentations.
3.  Research, design and make devices or develop processes using CAD and CAE FEA software.
4.  Develop and undertake laboratory evaluations of products and materials, for example mechanical testing and SEM microscopy.
5.  Publish project reports and research papers in journals and deliver conference papers.
6.  Assist in the development of reports and presentations for your line manager by developing the material needed.
7.  Support the delivery of European funded projects from time to time.
8.  Support the supervision of undergraduate projects and postgraduate research students in conjunction with other staff, and provide training and limited teaching as appropriate.
Person Specification
Qualifications
·  Good degree in a relevant engineering discipline
·  Post graduate research degree or equivalent such as PhD or equivalent
Experience and Knowledge
Essential Criteria
·  Knowledge and experience in using CAD software in product and/or process development
·  Knowledge and use of CAE software and finite element techniques to support product and/or process development
·  Basic appreciation of technical drawings and manufacturing tolerances
·  Knowledge of materials and their characteristics in products
Desirable Criteria
·  Knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in 3D printing technologies
·  Broad appreciation of manufacturing processes
·  Appreciation of basic mechanical testing of materials
·  Knowledge of reverse engineering
·  Practical work experience
Skills and Abilities
·  Research skills
·  Familiarity and experience in using Solidworks CAD software
·  Published research papers in journals
·  Excellent communication skills - written and verbal
·  Confident to work in a delivery orientated environment with challenging time scales requiring weekly teleconference calls with client
·  Experience in using data analysis software tools such as MATLAB
·  Contribute to team and meeting discussions
·  Confident to present to groups
·  Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise workloads
·  Ability to contribute creatively to the work of the team
·  Problem solving skills
Business Requirements
·  Occasional evening and weekend working
·  Requirement to work at both Derby and Chesterfield sites as required for a minimum of one day per week
Benefits
26 days holiday per year, plus statutory, concessionary and closure days.
Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
For more information on the benefits of working at the University of Derby go to http://www.derby.ac.uk/hr
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.

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