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University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience

Senior Research Associate in 4D Printing of Liquid-Crystal Elastomers

University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, Connecticut, us, 06010

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Senior Research Associate in 4D Printing of Liquid-Crystal Elastomers Join to apply for the Senior Research Associate in 4D Printing of Liquid-Crystal Elastomers role at University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience.

Overview The role supports the PI (Dr Rainer Groh) in delivering an ambitious UK Research & Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship project. The successful candidate will tailor the spatial distribution of nematic directors in Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) using Direct Ink Writing to morph 2D printed geometries into target 3D shapes under various stimuli. An additional area of novelty will be to explore how short carbon fibres can reinforce LCEs and how fibre directionality interacts with nematic director orientation.

What you will be doing

Establish a 3D/4D printing laboratory based on a DIW printer

Print LCEs with spatially tailored nematic directors so that structures morph between flat as-printed geometries and target 3D shapes

Develop methods to reinforce LCEs with recycled carbon fibres to enhance mechanical properties and morphing capabilities

Characterise and test the printed structures at the University of Bristol and project partners

Use or implement computational software that predicts and designs distributions of nematic directors/fibre orientations to achieve target 3D shapes

You should apply if

You are excited by the interface of morphing soft matter, computational design and automated manufacturing

You have a strong background in soft matter mechanics

You have experience in 3D/4D printing of soft matter materials, particularly liquid crystal elastomers

You are motivated to start a new capability in a world-leading research lab

You are interested in exploring real-world impact of your research

Additional information For informal queries please contact: Dr Rainer Groh (rainer.groh@bristol.ac.uk)

About Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 30/11/2029

Work pattern: Full time

Grade: J

Salary: £43,482 - £50,253 per annum

School/Unit: Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Wednesday 29th October. Interview dates will be confirmed in due course.

We are committed to an inclusive working environment and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

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