PDRA in Dielectric Elastomer Actuator Devices and Sensors

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Soft Matter Group (SMG), led by Prof James Busfield. You will be a key member of the SMG, contributing to our development and the success of our mission.

The core responsibility of this role is the further development of different dielectric elastomer actuator devices and optical sensors. This includes prototype soft elastomer actuated lenses and mechano-chromic pressure sensors. This project will help the PI (James Busfield) to write up these discoveries as high impact journal papers. You will contribute to the success of the research project through close collaboration with project partners and members of the SMG.

The role is part-time, fixed term based - funded for 6 months in the first instance, with an expected start date as soon as possible.

About You

This post is suited to a PhD graduate with a background in the soft robotics, and a strong track record in developing actuatable and sensing prototype products. The successful candidate should also have an ability to write high quality journal papers and research proposals.

Please submit your application via the Queen Mary Portal and upload a copy of your academic CV. Please do not upload copies of research papers.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

This post is within the School of Engineering and Materials Science, a large school with over 100 academics. There are around 2,500 undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, and over 250 PhD students within our London operation, supported by about 45 administrative and technical staff.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.