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Position Details

School of Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2026

Closing date: 7th November 2024

Background

FractureFix is a UKRI EPSRC funded International Centre to Centre Award concerned with research investigating secondary osteoporosis and bone fracture. It comprises a collaboration between the University of Birmingham (Lead organisation), ETH Zurich, Switzerland and Uppsala University, Sweden. Within this consortium, the role aims to elucidate the fundamental material and structural properties of bone in these pathologies. This data will be used in complex models predicting fracture which will be developed at ETH Zurich. As part of this role, you will take a lead in the following activities:

• provide a set of specific requirements for the testing of bone to ensure the needs of the models develop at ETH Zurich;
• develop and deploy protocols to undertake a multiscale characterisation of bone as set out in;
• undertake knowledge transfer with colleagues at ETH Zurich to ensure the integration of data into the fracture models.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews*
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters*
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research*
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
• Delivering cutting edge research in the specified area
• Collaborating with researchers within FractureFix and beyond to enhance our understanding of bone properties in secondary osteoporosis
• Ensuring good report and management practices internally and with stakeholders including working in Zurich with the potential for a short secondment
• Ensuring good day-to-day progress of work, and maintaining accurate records
• Delivering the outcomes guided by the research aims and objectives including the necessary training required to advance the project
• Disseminating research results through recognised forms of output such as publications conferences or public engagement

• These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6.

Person Specification

• A PhD (or near to completion) in Mechanical Engineering or allied discipline
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• A strong background/interest in spinal/bone biomechanics, materials characterisation and testing of biological tissues
• Proven skills in mechanical engineering design
A demonstrable aptitude for experimental research with a strong understanding of the underpinning engineering science

Informal enquiries to Richard Hall, email: r.m.hall@bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy . You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .