Research Associate (Part-Time, Fixed Term) (ENG

## Elevate Your Research Career in Sustainable Electrification: A Review of the Research Associate Opportunity This Research Associate position presents an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join a significant, newly funded EPSRC programme focused on revolutionizing electric motor drive technologies. With a substantial £7 million investment, this programme, a collaboration between leading universities, is poised to make substantial advancements in reducing energy waste, minimizing manufacturing materials, and enhancing performance metrics like power-to-weight and power-to-volume ratios, all while extending product lifespan. For ambitious researchers, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge innovation within a prestigious academic setting. ### Key Advantages for Aspiring Researchers: * Pioneering Research: You will be at the forefront of "radical innovation" in highly integrated electric motor drive technologies. This is a chance to shape the future of sustainable electrification. * Collaborative Environment: Working alongside esteemed teams from the universities of Newcastle and Bristol, you will gain exposure to diverse expertise and foster valuable professional connections across institutions. * Impactful Programme: The programme's ambitious goals – reducing energy wastage, material use, and improving performance – directly address critical global challenges, offering a strong sense of purpose and contribution. * Research Leadership: This role empowers you to not only support research but to "lead and deliver individual and collaborative research." You will play a key role in shaping the direction of research within the renowned Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Institute. * Proactive Research Development: You will be supported in developing and submitting your own research proposals and funding bids, fostering entrepreneurial spirit and long-term career growth. * Comprehensive Benefits: Beyond the research itself, the institution offers a supportive and diverse working environment, generous holiday entitlement, a rewarding scheme for excellent work, and a strong commitment to staff development. Access to fitness facilities, staff discounts, and travel schemes further enhance the overall employee experience. * Flexible Working: The position offers a flexible working pattern, allowing for a better work-life balance, and is part-time (20 hours per week), which can be ideal for individuals seeking to balance professional development with other commitments. ### Key Considerations for Your Career Path: * Fixed-Term Contract: The position is a fixed-term role, funded until September 2026. Candidates should consider their long-term career aspirations in relation to this timeframe. * Specialized Expertise Required: The role demands significant prior experience in several highly specialized areas, including:

• Power semiconductor power cycling equipment.
• Micro-meter resolution X-ray CT scanning.
• Operation and control of Gallium Nitride (GaN) based power semiconductors.
• Development of gate drive circuitry for wide bandgap semiconductors.
• Characterisation of GaN based semiconductors using power cycling and CT scanning technologies.

Candidates should carefully assess their existing skillset against these requirements. * Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Success in this role requires the ability to "work collaboratively on projects with a wide range of stakeholders internally and externally," often tackling "challenging and complex multidisciplinary issues." Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. * Potential for Mentorship: While direct experience with PhD student co-supervision/mentoring is desirable rather than mandatory, candidates who are eager to mentor and guide junior researchers will find this an appealing aspect of the role. This Research Associate position offers an exceptional platform for a driven and experienced researcher to make a tangible impact in the critical field of sustainable electrification. If your expertise aligns with the requirements and you are eager to contribute to a groundbreaking programme, this opportunity warrants serious consideration for advancing your career.