JOB TITLE:
Principal Researcher
REPORTS TO (job title):
KGL, Structural Design & Integrity
BUSINESS:
RD&T
FUNCTION:
DEPARTMENT:
Applications & Engineering
REF NO:
1.
PURPOSE OF JOB
To manage the resources and implementation of research within the specialist area of fracture
mechanics, structural integrity and fracture behaviour on research projects supported by the
GECs (Global Expert Committees). To provide an expert technical role to Tata Hubs. To
develop new techniques and approaches for quantification of material behaviour and inservice performance; to lead research projects; to ensure productive collaboration with
external bodies for Tata benefit (RFCS, Universities and standards organisations).
2.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
To provide expertise in, and develop the techniques of, structural integrity evaluation of Tata
products, welded structures made from them and plant facilities on Tata steelworks, in order to
demonstrate their fitness-for-service.
[I]
Agree research objectives with Knowledge Group Leader, Department manager and
GEC members; lead research projects, supervising staff and allocating resources to
ensure that projects run to time and within budget.
[ii]
Assist in formulating the research programme strategy by defining areas of research,
and product/technique developments that will be of added value to Tata Steel and its
customers, and develop project proposals.
[iii]
Initiate, prepare and publish after approval, research reports and assist in the
implementation of recommendations.
[iv]
Provide specialist technical expertise and advice to Tata hubs and customers in the
field of fracture mechanics, fatigue and structural integrity for Long Products, and carry
out safety cases for steelworks plant and their pressure systems.
[v]
Continually develop technical expertise in application of fracture mechanics, fracture
toughness testing and fitness-for-service assessment techniques for Tata Steel to
ensure the best possible contribution to the overall technical performance of the
Company.
[vi]
Represent the Company externally through involvement with universities, European
research forums, Standards organisations and regulatory plant safety bodies.
[vii]
Prepare, produce and deliver presentations at in-company, national and international
conferences and papers for publication, after approval.
[viii]
Employ and promote safe working practices, maximise effective use of the laboratory
testing facilities and make recommendations on areas of test development.
3.
VISION & CONTEXT
The job holder will cover the analysis of products and structures in terms of their structural
integrity. This may be an issue of product properties or pre-existing flaws and the effect this
has on the safe use of the component throughout its life. It encompasses fatigue and fracture
as the main failure modes, with a working knowledge of welded joints and non-destructive
testing also required.
The job holder will work on a number of projects in structural integrity related areas, and in
particular liaises with research assistants in the fracture and fatigue laboratory researchers in
other departments.
The job holder leads a range of projects of medium to large size, and also has responsibility
for reporting of progress and results in these projects. The project teams are commonly interdepartmental.
The role involves direct contact with customers (both Tata and external) and the job holder is
a recognised expert in the field of fracture mechanics and fracture behaviour of steels. The
jobholder represents Tata on externally.
4.
CONTACTS (Internal and External)
At Technology Centre with
Department Managers,
Programme Managers and other
staff.
To propose, manage and review relevant areas of
the business programme. To advise on his/her area
of expertise.
At Works level with appropriate
Managers, e.g.
Technical/ Production/
Commercial
To discuss and review research projects, results
and recommendations. To advise on his/her area of
expertise and to represent the company in cases
involving fitness-for service of Tata products and
integrity of Tata Plant
External Companies/
Organisations/ Universities
In the context of collaborative research projects,
RD&T customers and Tata Steel’s customers
Research and standards
Committees
BSI committees for fracture toughness testing and
defect assessment standards; HSE in context of
plant safety assessment
Technical Specialists
In context of developing techniques for Tata Steel,
Maintaining knowledge of developments outside the
company and being aware of trends in testing and
analysis standards.
5.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
[i]
Extensive and detailed knowledge of fracture behaviour of steels, testing and integrity
analysis techniques applied to steel products.
[ii]
Extensive experience of proposing, conducting and leading research projects.
[iii]
Qualified at least to Honours degree or equivalent level in materials
science/metallurgy/mechanical engineering or associated discipline, with professional
membership of the appropriate Institute preferred.
[iv]
Substantial research experience in the steel or related industry - although excellent
performance and/or post graduate qualifications and experience will also be
considered.
[v]
Ability to manage large research projects involving laboratory test areas and other
departments.
[vi]
Proven abilities in reporting of research activities in format and level appropriate to
business unit needs
[vii]
Proven abilities in conveying complex information convincingly in form of clear reports
and presentations
6.
DIMENSIONS
Point of contact:
Provides an initial point of expert contact for Tata hubs in area of
structural integrity, safety cases and product performance. Advises the KGL on technology
development areas
Supervisory
Indirectly supervises typically ~five research assistants in context of
project work. Assists other more junior researchers in areas of fracture mechanics, fatigue and
testing technique development.
Financial
Project leads projects for Tata Steel of typical annual individual value
€70k; co-ordinates European projects up to a value of ~€1m.
7.
ORGANISATION
No current chart available for future structure
Approved by Jobholder........................................................…. Date..........................
Approved by Manager ........................................................….. Date.........................