Research Associate in Analysis and Inspection of Porous Structures

Loughborough University

Wolfson School of Mechanical Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

Full or Part Time, Fixed term for 12 months

This vacancy is being readvertised and previous applicants need not reapply

Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.

Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for

The project entails the inspection and analysis of engineered porous structures via computed tomography. These engineered structures are stochastic and lattices. The materials range include polymers and metals.

The role will involve establishing the optimum operating set-ups/parameters (SOPs) of micro-computed tomography equipment to acquire quality 3D image data sets. These data sets will then be re-constructed into 3D models to allow the validation, inspection and study of the scanned artefacts to be used in simulations and/or inform the generation of digital twin models for manufacturing processes.

Key Requirements

The candidate needs to have experience in:

• Image processing and/or processing of MicroCT/CT or x-ray data.
• Use of analytical equipment in a laboratory environment (e.g. x-ray, MicroCT, image processing, microscopy).
• Experience working with computational modelling tools to visualise and process acquired data sets.
• Experience of acquiring, curating and analysing data derived from analytical techniques.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Have a PhD degree (or close to completion) in a related subject or equivalent experience

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Carmen Torres-Sánchez, Principal Investigator by email at c.torres@lboro.ac.uk or by telephone on +44 (0) 1509 227 518

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing Date:  03 March 2026

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

Time off -generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.

Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.

Support for you and those close to you -through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.

Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.

Travel and sustainability- access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.