Research Assistant (KP13181)

About the role

We are looking for a Research Associate to join our Mechanical Engineering team. Are you interested in how people learn new skills. Do you have an expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis within an engineering and manufacturing context. Then this could be the role for you.

This role will support us in undertaking user interviews and the deployment of our Design for Additive Manufacture skills pilot which is currently under development within the POLARIS project. This will also consist of a longitudinal study to assess how the course is being used over a sustained period of time. The aim of this is to capture the learning journey of an individual who has undertaken the new pilot course(s). This information will then be used to improve the course and map the upskilling to help refine the pedagogy. 

Project ‘POLARIS’ (production optimisation & large-scale data analysis for robust industrial systems) is being led by Domin a UK leading company industrialising the additive manufacture (3D printing) of complex servo valves for all major sectors. In POLARIS Domin will be scaling their manufacturing operations using industrial technologies and Bath will support by developing an additive manufacturing skills development pilot, addressing the AM skills shortage in industry.

About you

This role will require someone with experience in: 

Qualitative researchQuantitative researchDesigning and executing longitudinal studiesEngineering and/or manufacturing experience would be helpfulFurther information

This role is offered on a a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis until 31 March 2026

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Vimal Dhokia (Deputy Head of Department) on vd209@bath.ac.uk

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

What we can offer you:

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

Free counselling services through Health AssuredCycle to work schemeElectric vehicle salary sacrifice schemeStaff discount at Team Bath gymStaff discounts on postgraduate tuition feesStaff discount on language coursesGenerous employer contributory pension schemesGenerous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balanceA wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and moreFree entry to the Holburne Museum in BathLocal discounts and moreA family-friendly workplace An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforceRelocation allowanceVisa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

                                              

Closing Date: 28 Nov 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £31,236 to £37,694