Research Assistant/Associate in Mechanics & Tribology of Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Job Purpose 

You will contribute to a project ‘Mechanics & Tribology of Triboelectric Nanogenerators’ working with Dr Daniel Mulvihill. Specifically, the job requires expert knowledge in experimental and/or computational mechanics of materials and/or tribology. The position is part of a large international EPSRC funded project looking at the physics of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). This position will focus on the mechanics and tribology of TENGs and will involve mostly experimental work, but some modelling. Of particular interest is modelling and experimental analysis aimed at understanding, predicting and optimising the contact area and charge transfer at triboelectric interfaces. Also, how the rough surface interface interaction effects electrical output. The mechanical aspects of TENG testing will also be part of the position. The exact focus (modelling/experimental) will depend on the candidate’s background. Candidates with experimental mechanics or experimental tribology experience are ideal for the post. Candidates who have worked directly on fabricating, testing or modelling triboelectric nanogenerators (either mechanics or electronic aspects) are also welcomed, but this is by no means essential as the electrical aspects can be learned on the job.  The candidate will work with an experienced team at the University of Glasgow including Dr Daniel Mulvihill and Prof Nikolaj Gadegaard along with several international collaborators. The candidate will be able to work in a multidisciplinary team spanning two research groups: Materials and Manufacturing Research Group (MMRG) and the Biological Interfaces Group (BIG). The post is for 1 year in the first instance with possibility of extension. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

Take a leading role in the experimental and/or modelling of the mechanics and tribology of triboelectric nanogenerators and triboelectrification. Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy. 

2. Contribute to the acquisition, set up, maintenance and integration of experimental apparatus or computational kit, or in setting up theoretical models or analysis strategies.
3. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate. 

4. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
5. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile. 

6. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
7. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g Academic and Industrial Partners). 

8. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
9. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure 

10. Contribute to outreach and recruitment activities of The University of Glasgow.
11. Carry out modest Teaching activities (e.g demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator. 

12. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of Laboratory and/or Experimental techniques, equipment and processes as appropriate.
13. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline. 

14. Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
15. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.

16. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan – Inspiring People – Changing the World.

http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/strategy/people/

For appointment at grade 7: 

17. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.
18. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area. 

19. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience 

Knowledge/Qualifications 

Essential: 

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 10 (Honours Degree). May be working towards post-graduate qualification such as a Masters (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11) or PhD (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12). Or Equivalent professional qualifications in relevant academic/research discipline, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of experimental techniques in materials engineering and/or experimental techniques in tribology and/or fabrication and testing of triboelectric nanogenerators and/or specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of computational modelling of materials and tribological interfaces (e.g. FEM. BEM etc.). Knowledge/qualifications in any of: solid mechanics/tribology//contact mechanics/surface metrology and triboelectric or electro-mechanics problems.

A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism 

A4 Knowledge of specialist IT software (eg. Matlab, LabView, R, S-plus, SAS) as appropriate

A5 Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques

For appointment at Grade 7:

A6 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s). 

A7 Extensive specialist knowledge and qualifications in experimental techniques for materials engineering and/or tribology and/or fabrication and testing of triboelectric nanogenerators and/or computational modelling of materials & tribological phenomenon (e.g. finite element analysis).

A8 Extensive knowledge/qualifications in any of: solid mechanics/tribology/contact mechanics/surface metrology and triboelectric or electro-mechanics problems.

A9 Extensive knowledge in fabricating specimens or devices, design and implementation of advanced custom designed experiments in materials engineering/tribology and/or ability to develop theoretical and/or computational models to investigate the mechanical and/or electro-mechanical behaviour of interfaces.

Desirable: 

B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent

Skills 

Essential: 

C1 Specialist theoretical and practical skills in experimental techniques in materials engineering and/or experimental tribology and/or fabrication and testing of triboelectric nanogenerators and/or computational modelling of materials & tribological processes (e.g. FEM, BEM etc.). Skills in any of: solid mechanics/tribology/contact mechanics/surface metrology and triboelectric or electro-mechanics problems. Ability to fabricate specimens or devices, design and implement advanced custom designed experiments in materials engineering/tribology and/or ability to develop theoretical and/or computational models to investigate the mechanical and/or electro-mechanical behaviour of interfaces.

C2 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate. 

C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely

C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach 

C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills

C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate. 

C7 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

For appointment at Grade 7:

C9 Good Team Leadership skills 

C10 Extensive theoretical and practical skills in experimental techniques in materials engineering and/or experimental tribology and/or fabrication and testing of triboelectric nanogenerators and/or computational modelling of materials & tribological processes (e.g. FEM, BEM etc.).

C11 Extensive skills in any of: solid mechanics/tribology/contact mechanics/surface metrology and triboelectric or electro-mechanics problems.

C12 Extensive ability to fabricate specimens or devices, design and implement advanced custom designed experiments in materials engineering/tribology and/or ability to develop theoretical and/or computational models to investigate the mechanical and/or electro-mechanical behaviour of interfaces.

Experience 

Essential:

E1 Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in specialist subject/discipline and of research/teaching methods and techniques to work within the subject area. 

E2 Specialist theoretical and practical experience of experimental techniques in materials engineering and/or experimental tribology and/or fabrication and testing of triboelectric nanogenerators and/or computational modelling of materials & tribological processes (e.g. FEM, BEM etc.). Experience in any of: solid mechanics/tribology/contact mechanics/surface metrology and triboelectric or electro-mechanics problems. Experience in fabricating specimens or devices, design and implementation of advanced custom designed experiments in materials engineering/tribology and/or ability to develop theoretical and/or computational models to investigate the mechanical and/or electro-mechanical behaviour of interfaces.

E3 Experience of scientific writing 

E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E5 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field

For appointment at Grade 7:

E6 Normally sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field 

E7 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E8 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities 

E9 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E10 Experience in undertaking independent research

Desirable:

F1 An emerging national or international reputation

Closing date:  20 March 2024

Terms and Conditions 

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £32,332 – £36,024 / £39,347 – £44,263 per annum.  

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 1 year, with the possibility of being extended.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.