Postdoctoral Research Officer

Applications are invited for the above fixed-term, full-time post working in the School of Computer Science and Engineering at Bangor University.
- Develop micro/nanostructures to enhance infrared radiation and conductive heat transfer properties.
- Perform characterization using SEM, confocal microscopy, and thermal imaging tools.
- Use computational modeling to guide surface design and analyze thermal behaviour.
- Conduct vacuum testing to simulate and validate performance under space-like conditions.
- Contribute to technical reporting, academic publications, and industrial engagement.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting:
Committed To Equal Opportunities

Overview

College of Science and Engineering
The College of Science and Engineering at Bangor University brings together a wide range of disciplines and research centres, promoting excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. The College encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and supports staff and students through strong links with industry, government, and international partners.

School of Computer Science and Engineering

The Project

Advanced Thermal Management for Space Electronics (ATMS)

This project addresses the increasing thermal challenges in space electronics due to miniaturisation and rising power density. The collaboration between Bangor University, Teledyne Labtech, and Airbus Endeavr Wales aims to develop advanced thermal management solutions by combining synthetic graphite innovation, laser-based surface modification, and computational modelling.

Bangor University focuses on using ultrafast and nanosecond laser techniques to enhance thermal emissivity and heat conduction in copper, stainless steel, and synthetic graphite materials. These techniques will be validated through laboratory testing under ambient and vacuum conditions, with the goal of delivering scalable solutions for aerospace thermal control. The overall aim is to establish an efficient and lightweight approach to heat dissipation for space electronics, supporting the transition of new materials and technologies beyond TRL 3.

Purpose of the Job

The post holder will be responsible for designing and conducting experimental and computational studies to evaluate the thermal performance of laser-structured surfaces. This will involve materials processing, microscopy, vacuum testing, and heat transfer simulations, in addition to liaising with academic and industrial collaborators and contributing to publications and reports.

Main

**Responsibilities**:

- Carry out laser surface modification experiments using ultrafast and nanosecond lasers to improve thermal emissivity and conductivity of metallic and graphite-based materials.
- Perform detailed surface and thermal characterisation using SEM, confocal microscopy, infrared imaging, and vacuum-based testing setups.
- Collaborate with project partners, including Teledyne Labtech and Airbus, to ensure alignment of technical goals, exchange data, and contribute to joint milestones.
- Assist in procurement, equipment setup, and project resource coordination, ensuring adherence to research timelines.
- Contribute to the dissemination of research through journal publications, conference presentations, and industrial reports.
- Maintain accurate records of experiments, analyse and interpret data, and support preparation of regular progress updates for the project steering group.
- Participate in the wider academic activities of the School and contribute to student supervision or mentoring when appropriate.
- Support the Principal Investigator in developing follow-on research proposals and broader impact strategies.

Other

**Responsibilities**:

- The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
- The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
- The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
- The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person Specification
- Qualifications/Training _

Essential:

- PhD (or near completion) in laser materials processing, photonics, physics, mechanical engineering, or materials science.

Desirable:

- Training in vacuum systems or thermal analysis techniques.
- Experience/Knowledge _

Essential
- Demonstrated experience with pulsed laser systems (femtosecond, picosecond, or nanosecond) for material processing.
- Exp