Research Assistant or Associate in Materials Innovation

Imperial College London - Department of Aeronautics

Placed On: 16th January 2026

Closes: 15th February 2026

Job Ref: ENG03776

About the role:

Are you ready to apply your materials-science expertise to deliver real-world innovation?

We are seeking a Materials Innovation Associate to lead an exciting KTP between Materion UK Ltd and Imperial. The project will develop high-performance lightweight alloys and composites for aerospace and other demanding engineering sectors, while improving manufacturing efficiency and performance.

As the KTP Associate, you will act as the vital link between academia and industry, translating research into production and gaining hands-on experience in applied innovation, leadership, and technology development.

Why become a KTP Associate?

The KTP programme is designed to accelerate your career, expand your skills, and grow your professional network. You will have the opportunity to:

• Work on a high-profile, funded innovation project delivering real business impact.
• Receive structured supervision, mentoring, and formal training from both the business partner and university.
• Develop skills through real-world problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Build a strong professional network and leave a lasting legacy within the business partner.
• Enhance your expertise and leadership potential through a unique applied role.

What you would be doing:

• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of the KTP project.
• Develop advanced materials and processes aligned with Materion’s Technology & Innovation roadmap.
• Perform materials and component testing using Materion and Imperial facilities.
• Analyse data, evaluate results, and implement solutions to manufacturing challenges.
• Produce technical reports, presentations, and publications.
• Engage fully in the KTP Associate training and professional-development programme.

What we are looking for:

Research Assistant:

A first or master’s degree (or equivalent) in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related discipline.

• Strong understanding of metallic-materials manufacture and characterisation (academic or industrial).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, IT, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across academic and industrial environments.
• Flexible, proactive, self-motivated approach with strong attention to detail.
• Aptitude to develop commercial awareness and leadership skills.

Experience with powder metallurgy, metal composites, advanced materials testing (e.g. SEM, TEM, XRD), or industrial experience in materials or process innovation is desirable.

Research Associate:

Hold a PhD in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline*, or equivalent research, industrial, or commercial experience.
*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

What we can offer you:

• A rare opportunity to lead a high-profile innovation project with tangible industrial outcomes.
• Joint supervision and mentoring from Imperial’s leading materials experts and Materion’s industrial innovators.
• Access to Imperial’s researcher-development resources and sector-leading training.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including 39 days’ annual leave and a generous pension scheme.
• A formal training programme supported by Innovate UK, Imperial, and Materion.
• Strong potential to progress into a permanent industrial or academic research role.

Further Information

This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 36 months.

Expected start date: As soon as possible.

Appointments are expected to be made between spine point 14-17 depending on experience.

For informal enquiries:

The successful candidate will be supervised jointly by Dr Qianqian Li (Department of Aeronautics) and Prof Milo Shaffer (Department of Materials and Department of Chemistry) at Imperial College, and by Mr Peter Lewis at Materion UK Ltd.

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Dr Qianqian Li – qianqian.li@imperial.ac.uk