"Research Fellows in E-Textiles"

Research Fellows in E-Textiles

We are seeking highly motivated post-doctoral researchers of high calibre to join our research program working in the area of electronic textiles. The positions are funded by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) project: SUSTAIN - Sustainable heterogenoUs e-textileS for impercepTible humAn INterfaces. SUSTAIN will tackle fundamental challenges across electronic textile-based sensing, wireless, electrochemical and design technologies with a focus on sustainable developments towards practical user-centric e-textile systems.

In these roles, you will be based in the School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) and join an interdisciplinary University of Southampton research team from across the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Winchester School of Art and work with collaborators at the University of Glasgow. Details of the project can be found at www.sustain-pg.org.

The roles will involve research on the following topics.

• E-textile supercapacitors focusing on the separator and device design within a textile structure. This post requires a strong background in electrochemistry, characterisation techniques, polymer science and an interest in device development.
• Textile-based triboelectric energy harvesting, working with colleagues to design a full triboelectric energy harvesting garment. This requires practical experience of triboelectric harvesting and power management circuits.
• E-Textile device manufacturing and encapsulation. This role will involve the manufacturing of a range of e-textile devices, focusing on encapsulation materials and processes to improve durability and reliability and requires knowledge of textile manufacturing, materials and testing.
• E-Textile wireless sensing utilising RFID technology to monitor human parameters such as breathing rate. This post will require expertise in RFID and wireless technologies, antenna design and characterisation.

To be successful with your application, you will need to demonstrate:

• A PhD or equivalent in an appropriate area related to the roles described above.
• Excellent experimental research skills with a strong publication track record in high-quality international journals.
• A willingness and ability to help with the supervision of PhD students.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, and a proven ability to work well within multidisciplinary teams.

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. Athena SWAN silver award recognised, we’re committed to improving equality for women in science and engineering, so we’ll help you find a good work-life balance with flexible working hours. ECS provides a unique, friendly and supportive environment. We strongly recommend that you visit https://www.ecs.soton.ac.uk/workinghere to find out more about working in ECS.

Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide, we’re bold, progressive and keen to push the boundaries. We encourage and support our researchers to pursue their research and engage in other activities, such as teaching, public engagement and enterprise. Your success is our success, and it is in our interest to foster your development and support you to become the next generation of research leaders in your field.

The appointments are for an initial 1-year period with the possibility of an extension up to 5 years. Enquiries should be directed to Prof Steve Beeby (spb@soton.ac.uk). Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.

Please note, upon appointment post title will be one of the following:

• Research Fellow in E-Textile Wireless Sensing
• Research Fellow in E-Textile Triboelectric Energy Harvesting
• Research Fellow in E-Textile Supercapacitors
• Research Fellow in E-Textile Manufacturing

Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role.