Research Fellow: Advanced Solidification Technology Development for Upcycling Al Alloys - 16834

Brunel University London - Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST)

Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Fixed-term 36 months

Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits.

For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

BCAST is a speciality research centre focusing on solidification and wider metallurgical research with an international reputation. BCAST is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for both metal processing and materials characterisation. See https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Centres/BCAST for more information.

This position is funded by an EU funded project entitled CLEANMAT for a period of 36 months. CLEANMAT is developing next-generation aluminium recycling processes that eliminate harmful cleaning chemicals, drastically reduce emissions and waste, and maximize material quality and circularity. The project integrates a digital thread for real-time process optimization, advanced sensors for contaminant detection, environmentally friendly thermal pre-treatment, and flux-minimized melting and refining for both modern and traditional furnaces. Impacts will be rigorously assessed through Life Cycle and Environmental Analysis, targeting significant reductions in COe emissions, energy consumption, hazardous substances, and slag generation, while ensuring safe and sustainable operations.

This position focuses on Advanced Solidification & Alloy Performance Improvement for recycling Al alloys. This role focuses on advanced solidification technologies to address impurity-related challenges and enhance the performance of recycled aluminium alloys. Responsibilities include developing methods to control solidification, refine microstructure, and mitigate impurity effects, ensuring high-quality recycled alloys suitable for industrial applications.

The post holder will have a PhD degree in Metallurgy, Metal Materials and ideally at least two years’ experience in solidification processes, alloy development, and recycling technologies along with proficiency in alloy performance characterization in microstructure analysis and mechanical testing.

We offer a generous annual leave package plus discretionary University closure days, excellent training and development opportunities as well as a great occupational pension scheme and a range of health-related support. The University is committed to a hybrid working approach.

Closing date for applications: 30 April 2026

If you have any technical issues please contact us at: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk