Research Assistant / Associate in the Experimental Mechanics of Liquid Crystal Elastomers (Fixed Term)

A position exists, for a Research Assistant / Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on the mechanics and actuation of liquid crystal elastomers as part of the soft mechanics research group lead by Prof John Biggins.

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are remarkable soft-solids that can undergo large reversible and programmed shape changes upon heating or illumination. This research associate will be the group's primary LCE experimentalist, with a dual focus on experimental mechanics and applications.

The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

The key responsibilities and duties are to continue fabrication of LCEs and deploy them in studies of mechanical instabilities and prototype soft mechanical devices. Areas of immediate interest include snapping in active shells, active swarms of LCE elements, patterned optical stimulation for arbitrary morphing, and introducing control / feedback into LCE robotics. The post holder will also engage effectively and productively with a mechano-centric research team, including members with a theoretical and computational focus.

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role will include experimental soft solid mechanics (ideally including instabilities) and fabrication of soft solids such as gels, elastomers, liquid crystals elastomers or other polymer systems. Experience in 3D printing, microfluidics or soft-robotics would be useful. Applicants must also have an interest in mechanics and have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Science or Engineering.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges : Research Assistant : £29,605 - £33,966; Research Associate : £36,024 - £44,263

Fixed-term : The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.