Research Associate for Manufacturing-Oriented Computational Design

The University of Manchester - Science and Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Location: Manchester

Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum, dependent on relevant experience

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 23rd September 2025

Closes: 6th October 2025

Job Ref: SAE-029858

Job reference: SAE-029858

Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum, dependent on relevant experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering

Location: Oxford Road

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)

Closing date: 06/10/2025

Contract Duration: 18 months

School/Directorate: School of Engineering

Background: This is a research project taken in the Digital Manufacturing Lab led by Prof. Charlie Wang. The project aims to a computational kernel to effectively generate optimised structure and toolpaths for robot-assisted additive manufacturing with dynamically changed material accumulation directions. This research will be conducted in the School of Engineering at the University of Manchester, and is funded by the University of Manchester and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Overall Purpose of the Job: The role of the post-doctoral research associate is to engage in developing new computational algorithm and formulation for generating optimised structure and toolpaths while incorporating the manufacturing constraints. Candidate should have a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering and strong research record in computational design, topology optimisation, advanced manufacturing, intelligent mechatronics, or robotics. Excellent skills in C++ programming and mathematics formulation are expected.

What you will get in return: Fantastic market leading Pension scheme, Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme, Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays, Additional paid closure over the Christmas period, Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers. As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews: Name: Prof Charlie Wang, Email: charlie.wang@manchester.ac.uk