Job Description
Job title:
Department/School:
Grade:
Location:
Research Associate
Architecture and Civil Engineering
7
University of Bath
Job purpose
The BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials, based in the Department of
Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Bath, wishes to appoint a fulltime Research Associate to work on an EPSRC funded research project titled
'Knitting Bespoke Reinforcement for New Concrete Structures' (EP/M01696X/1) led
by Dr John Orr.
The research associate position will support this new research project, which is
investigating how we can reinforce concrete structures with complex optimised
geometries to provide a durable and resilient infrastructure.
The project looks to completely replace internal steel reinforcement with a knitted
composite reinforcement cage made from carbon fibre tows. By fabricating this in
exactly the right geometry, the project will allow designers to put exactly the right
strength exactly where it is needed. This will be transformative for concrete
construction, and will greatly simplify the reinforcing of complex shapes.
Source and nature of management provided
Dr John Orr, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Civil Engineering
Staff management responsibility
None report to this post, although day to day assistance/supervision of other group
members e.g. PhD and/or undergraduate students may be required. The appointee
will also be required to work closely with technician staff.
Career and Professional Development Activities
From time to time you may be asked to assist in the facilitation of CPD activities.
This will form part of your substantive role and you will not receive additional
payment for these activities.
Special conditions
None
Page 1
Main duties and responsibilities
1
To develop and apply theoretical techniques to support the design of
geometrically appropriate filament wound carbon fibre as reinforcement for
concrete structures. This will include computational modelling and three
dimensional simulations.
2
To support theoretical developments with appropriate laboratory work, including
prototyping and development of novel control systems. This will extend to simply
supported beams in the first instance.
3
To ensure that practical implementation of the new techniques are addressed.
This must include structural mechanics (shear, flexural behaviours), control
methods, manufacturing processes, and industrial impact.
4
To develop new industrial collaborations to support both the technical and the
impact agenda of the project
5
To contribute to the development of materials for non-academic impact
6
To prepare papers for publication in high quality international journals
7
To give presentations at conferences.
8
To participate in meetings with research collaborators.
9
To assist in the supervision of PhD students within the research groups.
10
To undertake other duties required by the research team
You will from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature as
reasonably required by your line manager.
You are required to follow all University policies and procedures at all times and take
account of University guidance.
Page 2
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Assessed by
A/F
I/T
R
Qualifications
PhD in relevant topic (civil or structural
engineering, material science)
Y
X
Excellent structural mechanics
background
Y
X
X
Fibre reinforced polymer materials –
fundamental science and their practical
application
Y
X
X
Computer modelling for analysis and
visualisation
Y
X
X
Experience of designing and running
laboratory tests, including
instrumentation and quality control
Y
X
X
Experience/Knowledge
Knowledge of the wider research field of
structural optimisation for reductions in
embodied energy
Y
X
X
X
Previous postdoctoral research
experience
Y
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Track record of writing and publishing
peer-reviewed papers
Y
Experience in engaging or leading
impact activities
Y
X
X
Track record of conference talks
Y
X
X
Skills
Ability to apply fundamental structural
mechanics to complex three-dimensional
problems
Y
X
X
Excellent communication skills (oral and
written)
Y
X
X
Excellent interpersonal skills
X
X
X
Human Resources
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09/02/2016
X
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Assessed by
A/F
I/T
R
Attributes
Ability to work independently
X
X
Ability to coordinate resources effectively
(including their own time)
X
X
Ability to work in a team
X
Provide support to PhD students in
related fields
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Code: A/F – Application form, I/T – Interview/Test, R – References
Human Resources
Page 4
X
09/02/2016