Brunel University London is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant/Fellow (PDRA) to join BCAST, a leading UK research centre in advanced materials and manufacturing. You will play a key role in the DIGI-HSMC project, an ambitious collaborative programme developing next-generation High Shear Melt Conditioning (HSMC) systems enhanced with digital twin technology, real-time sensing, and intelligent process control.
- Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus
- Salary (Research Assistant): from £36,640 to £38,638 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £39,682 per annum inclusive of London Weighting through sustained exceptional contribution.
- Salary (Research Fellow): from £40,757 to £44,179 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £52,067 per annum inclusive of London Weighting through sustained exceptional contribution.
- Hours: Full-time
- Contract Type: Fixed term 10 months
- Posted Date: 27/04/2026
- Closing Date: 25/05/2026
- Ref No: 5095
Role
Brunel University London is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant/Fellow (PDRA) to join BCAST, a leading UK research centre in advanced materials and manufacturing. You will play a key role in the DIGI-HSMC project, an ambitious collaborative programme developing next-generation High Shear Melt Conditioning (HSMC) systems enhanced with digital twin technology, real-time sensing, and intelligent process control.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement digital twin models for molten metal processing
- Integrate and analyse data from various sensors such as temperature, torque, and acoustic sensors
- Perform advanced materials characterisation (e.g. SEM, hardness testing, microstructural analysis) to validate process outcomes
- Support development and validation of physics-informed machine learning models for process optimisation
- Support experimental trials and validation in laboratory and industrial environments
- Collaborate with academic and industrial partners to refine system performance
- Contribute to the development of a digital materials knowledge base linking process parameters to performance outcomes
- Prepare technical reports, publications, and presentations for both academic and industrial audiences.
You Will Have
- A PhD or relevant degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical, Computer Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline
- Experience in at least two of the following:
- Digital twins or process modelling
- Sensor systems and data acquisition
- Metallurgy, casting, or thermal processing
- Strong programming skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB, LABVIEW or similar)
- Interest or experience in data-driven methods, machine learning, or digital manufacturing
- Ability to work across experimental and computational environments
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Desirable
- Experience in AI/ML for industrial processes
- Knowledge of metal casting or melt processing
We offer a generous annual leave package plus discretionary University closure days, excellent training and development opportunities as well as a great occupational pension scheme and a range of health-related support. The University is committed to a hybrid working approach.
Closing date for applications: 25 May 2026
If you have any technical issues, contact us at: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk.
Brunel University London has a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to promote and achieve a fully inclusive workforce to reflect our community.
Documents
- Research Assistant Job Description (Word, 64.94kb)
- Research Fellow Job Description (Word, 66.17kb)
Apply here
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