Research Fellow Casting (Magnetic Materials) - School of Metallurgy and Materials - 102445 - Grade 7

Full Job Description

Position Details

School of Metallurgy and Materials

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade 7 

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2025

Closing date: 12th December 2023 

Travel may be required for this role 

Background

The Magnetic Materials Group (MMG) has a long track record working on manufacturing processes and alloy development for rare earth magnets. In recent years the group has focussed on the sustainability of rare earth magnets and particularly on the circular economy of these materials. The rare earth metals are currently top of the critical material lists for multiple countries across the globe as they are at risk of short supply. This role is focussed on developing and scaling the recycling technologies which have been developed in the MMG. The group is currently building a 100 tonne processing plant at Tyseley Energy Park and this role will be linked to this facility. This will give an exciting opportunity to develop new processes a commercially viable scale.

Role Summary

The Magnetic Materials Group (MMG) at the University of Birmingham has been building a bespoke world leading recycling facility for rare earth magnets using the patented HPMS process (Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap). The facility is funded through the UK fund (Driving the Electric Revolution). This research role will use this bespoke facility to separate, purify and to recast rare earth alloys from end of life products as part of the SCREAM project. The extracted materials will be used to manufacture magnets for multiple end user applications.

The aim of this role is to create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within the UKRI funded project “Scream”. The successful applicant will work with the Scream consortium and will be responsible for separation, purification and re-casting of rare earth neodymium iron boron alloys from a range of secondary feedstocks.They will be trained on the bespoke recycling facilities and casting facilities at the University of Birmingham and explore the microstructure and yield losses of NdFeB alloys produced from secondary materials in the magnetic materials group.

Main Duties

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

• Coordinate with colleagues in the MMG (academic staff, technicians, postdocs and students) to fulfil the project targets set out within the work package descriptions for SCREAM.
• Coordinate with industrial partners across the value chain. Ie- by interpreting magnet specifications, collecting scrap applications, advising on pre-processing and magnet grades. 
• Analyse a range of end-of-life sintered NdFeB magnet applications and determine suitable processes for removing the magnets from the application. 
• To apply the HPMS process to a range of different scrap sources. 
• To develop downstream processes to remove impurities from the HPMS alloy powder. 
• Strip casting of rare earth neodymium iron boron alloys from a range of secondary feedstocks.
• Produce bespoke alloys by blending the HPMS powders with primary materials for recasting at targeted compositions. This will then be used for blending into secondary powders in a later process to produce sintered NdFeB magnets. The researcher will coordinate with a colleague on this part of the process. 
• Compositional analysis (ICP OES) of the starting materials, the extracted HPMS powder and the final cast alloys. 
• To disseminate research findings for journal publication, as well as additional patents describing the novel approach in the utilisation of recycled NdFeB magnets.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
• 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.
• 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.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in relevant subject
• Completed, or near completion of a PhD in relevant subject (or be in possession of equivalent research experience)
• Ideally a strong experimental background and understanding in some of the following areas:
  • Sintering processes
  • Powder processing 
  • Glove box technologies 
  • Casting processes
  • Hydrogen processing of materials;
  • Measurement of physical and magnetic properties of magnetic materials;
  • Scanning electron microscopy 
• Good interpersonal skills to allow good working relationship with partner institutions
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• 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

Informal enquiries to Prof. Allan Walton via

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. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone  on our website .