Assistant Professor in Laser-Based Manufacturing

The Research Centre for Manufacturing and Materials (CMM) is seeking an Assistant Professor (Research) in Laser-Based Manufacturing to support research in intelligent laser processing and process monitoring. This role focuses on combining laser manufacturing, advanced sensing, manufacturing data, and AI/ML to develop innovative and efficient manufacturing solutions.

In this role you will contribute to research that enhances process performance, quality and productivity through advanced monitoring, data analysis and process control. You will develop an independent research profile, publish high-quality research, secure external funding, collaborate with academic and industrial partners, and support postgraduate researchers while contributing to CMM's wider research and knowledge exchange activities.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in:
- Experience in laser-based manufacturing technologies, including welding, cutting and additive manufacturing.
- Expertise in real-time process monitoring using advanced sensing technologies.
- Skilled in manufacturing data acquisition, analysis and interpretation.
- Experience applying AI/ML for process optimisation, quality prediction and defect detection.
- Ability to integrate sensing, data acquisition and AI/ML solutions within manufacturing environments.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary research teams and industry collaborations.

Qualifications Required:
A PhD or equivalent in a relevant area of research such as laser processing, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science or engineering, applied physics, or a closely related discipline.

The successful candidate will have an internationally recognised research profile aligned with the priorities of the Research Centre and its thematic areas, supported by a strong track record of high-quality research outputs and a pipeline of future publications. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to secure research funding, lead and deliver impactful research projects, and develop strategic collaborations and networks that enhance the Research Centre's research excellence, visibility and wider impact.

From previous experience, the successful candidate will have expertise in laser-based manufacturing, including laser-material interactions, process optimisation, sensing technologies, data acquisition, and AI/ML applications for process monitoring and quality improvement. They will have an understanding of working with sensor systems, analysing complex manufacturing data, and integrating advanced monitoring and machine-learning solutions into industrial or research environments.

The successful candidate will be able to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary academic and industry partnerships, translate research into practical manufacturing solutions, and contribute to high-quality research outputs, innovation, commercialisation, and postgraduate supervision, while building a sustainable programme of externally funded research.

Experience of industrial laser cells, robotic integration, edge computing, real-time control, digital twins, advanced metrology, non-destructive evaluation, metallurgy or the deployment of monitoring systems within production environments would be advantageous. Experience of contributing to successful collaborative research proposals would also be welcomed.

Benefits include:
- Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
- 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
- Life Assurance 4 x Salary
- BUPA Cash Plan
- 50% off Tuition Fees for staff dependants
- CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/Online Retailers
- Cycle To Work scheme