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Research Engineer for Sensor Development
Mechanical Engineering
Location:
Highfield Campus
Salary:
£28,331
Full Time Fixed Term (Until 31/01/2023)
Closing Date:
Friday 20 December 2019
Interview Date:
To be confirmed
Reference:
1210219DA
Research Engineer**
You will join a collaborative programme which aims to tackle the grand challenge of decoding nitrogen dynamics in soil through development of novel wireless nitrogen sensing technology, field testing, and data-driven modelling of rhizosphere nitrogen dynamics. This research is a UKRI/NSF-funded “Signals in the Soil” project, bringing together partners from the UK and US with expertise in sensors, microfluidics, modelling, and environmental science.
In this project you will develop new sensor technology for monitoring soil chemistry, building on our recent work developing cutting-edge sensors for water and medical applications based on droplet microfluidics. While a long-established laboratory technique, droplet microfluidics is only now making its way into the first field-deployable devices. In this project your role will be in realising sensor designs and concepts into real working soil sensors, based around our robust droplet
generation technique. The post will provide an excellent opportunity
for interdisciplinary work working across the engineering/sensors/environmental
science interfaces and will involve use of Southampton University's advanced
microfabrication and engineering facilities. You will work closely with the
investigators and their research groups and collaborators from UK and US
universities.
Day to day responsibilities will primarily be:
- · Development of mechanical concepts using
sketches, prototyping and 3D CAD.
- · Prototyping of concepts using machining and
micromachining, rapid prototyping and off-the-shelf components.
- · Fabricating microfluidic channel architectures
using microfabrication techniques.
- · Collaboration with postdoctoral researchers and
research students within the department, and collaborators from other UK and US
universities.
- · Fabrication of test and calibration rigs in the
workshop.
- · Testing of new sensors and subsystems in the
laboratory.
- · Laboratory management and maintenance of
equipment.
- · Ensuring all Health and Safety protocols are
adhered to.
To be successful you will have:
- Skill level equivalent to achievement of HNC, A-Level, NVQ3 with proven work experience acquired in relevant technical support roles and job related training
- Experience of CAD software eg Solidworks, Inventor, AutoCAD
- Experience in device development, experience with design for manufacture
Ideally you will also have:
- · Degree educated in mechanical engineering or
related engineering subject.
- · Experience of sensor devices.
- · Experience with instrumentation, fluidics and
materials.
Equality, diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in the School of Engineering. In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science we were awarded an Athena SWAN bronze in 2013 and 2016. We give full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy*, onsite childcare facilities
The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward. Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities. This commits all of our staff and students to take responsibility for managing their activities to minimise harm to the environment, whether this through switching off non-essential electrical equipment or using the recycling facilities.
*subject to qualifying criteria
**After appointment you will be known as Technician as indicated on the job description.
Informal enquires are welcome, please contact Dr. Xize Niu via email: x.niu@soton.ac.uk
The position is tenable from 31st January 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Application procedure:
You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Charlene Tyson (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 6803. Please quote reference 1210219DA on all correspondence.
Further details:
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert.