Research Associate in Self-Sensing Concrete -Fixed Term Contract (CT6056)

Concrete material systems with the ability to self-sense physical damage and initiate self-healing or immunising responses is a growing priority research area.  We are able to offer an outstanding candidate the opportunity to develop such systems within the world leading BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials at the University of Bath.

The successful applicant will develop sensor systems suitable for embedding within a concrete matrix and capable of identifying micromechanical changes and the on-set of damage.  Initially a combination of piezoelectric sensors to determine the electromechanical impedance, and dielectric spectroscopy to evaluate chemical and physical changes, will be used.  Further developments may utilise functional electrically conductive fillers as intrinsic sensing materials.  The post will also involve the development of novel data processing techniques for the interpretation (diagnosis) of physical changes in the host concrete.

The position is part of an EPSRC-funded programme (Resilient Materials 4 Life, £4.7M) to develop self-healing and self-diagnosing construction materials.

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant area of study such as civil, electrical or mechanical engineering, physics or materials science. A practical knowledge of piezoelectric materials and impedance analysis would be a distinct advantage.

This post is full-time 36.5 hours per week) and is being offered on a Fixed Term Contract basis of up to 24 months in the first instance.  The successful applicant will ideally be available to start on 1 November 2018.

For an informal discussion on the role please contact Dr Kevin Paine (e: k.paine@bath.ac.uk, tel: 01225 386886) or Dr Richard Ball (e: r.j.ball@bath.ac.uk, tel: 01225 386944).

Closing Date: 09 Sep 2018
Type: Education & Research