Research Fellow in Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing

About the Role

This is a one year research-focused position, with the potential for extension, entails advancing the state-of-the-art in Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing (DEDAM), with a primary emphasis on the development of multi-material systems and high-performance metallic structures. You will spearhead experimental campaigns to evaluate process stability and material integrity, pioneering novel material combinations such as metal-metal composites and metal-composite joining techniques. By collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to push the boundaries of large-scale additive manufacturing, you will integrate process digitalisation with rigorous experimental design. Key responsibilities involve the manufacture of high-quality specimens for characterisation by research partners and the systematic analysis of experimental data to establish fundamental correlations between process parameters, microstructures, and mechanical properties. Ultimately, this work aims to refine DEDAM processes to ensure that fabricated components are meticulously optimised for specific mechanical load scenarios, with a particular interest in candidates capable of implementing advanced monitoring and automation frameworks to enhance system integration and data-driven insights.

About You

You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. You must have demonstrable relevant experience and achievements in process development and material characterisation. You will also possess proven knowledge of monitoring and control system development within the metal AM process. In addition, you will have a developing track record of publishing in high-quality journals, along with excellent communication, planning, and organisational skills, and a proven ability for problem-solving. You will also require Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

How to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact
Dr Jian Qin, Lecturer in Digitalisation for Metal Additive Manufacturing, on (E): J.Qin@Cranfield.ac.uk
Dr Wojciech Suder, Senior Lecturer in Laser Processing and Additive Manufacturing, on (E): w.j.suder@cranfield.ac.uk
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: hrrecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5301.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 31 May 2026