Research Fellow - Smart EM Sensing for Steel Forming Performance (111342-0226)

About The Role

Informal Queries

For informal queries, please contact Professor Claire Davis at Claire.Davis@warwick.ac.uk or Dr Frank Zhou at Lei.Zhou@warwick.ac.uk

Flexible Working

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

WMG at the University of Warwick is recruiting a Research Fellow in Smart Electromagnetic (EM) Sensing for Steel Forming Performance to join the IGNITE Programme, a major EPSRC-funded initiative addressing sustainable steel manufacturing. This role sits within the Advanced Steel Research Centre (ASRC) and focuses on developing fast, non-destructive EM sensing approaches to characterise steel microstructure, forming behaviour, and spatial property variations before and after forming. The research underpins future adaptive forming control, inline quality assurance, and digital steel-processing records. The postholder will work in a multidisciplinary team spanning EM sensing, materials characterisation, forming mechanics, and digital manufacturing, and will collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners across the IGNITE consortium. In addition to technical research, the role includes contributions to the IGNITE Demand Assessment, with a particular emphasis on the automotive sector and green steel adoption. In return, WMG offers an excellent benefits package, including an attractive pension scheme, 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, strong support for professional development, and a collaborative, inclusive research culture. WMG holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, and the University of Warwick holds an Institutional Silver Award. Applications for flexible or part-time working will be considered where operationally feasible.

About You

You will have (or be close to completing) a PhD in materials science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related discipline, with laboratory-based experimental research experience relevant to materials, sensing, or manufacturing processes. You will demonstrate strong quantitative data-analysis skills, an ability to conduct and publish high-quality research, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with electromagnetic sensing, materials characterisation, forming processes, or data-driven methods is advantageous but not essential. For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About The Department

WMG is one of the UK’s leading applied research departments, working at the interface of academia and industry. The Advanced Steel Research Centre (ASRC) brings together expertise in steel metallurgy, sensing technologies, manufacturing processes, and digitalisation to support the transition to sustainable, high-value steel manufacturing.

For further information on the Advanced Steel Research Centre please visit: WMG ASRC: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/research/research-areas/steels

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/. World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Monday 9th March 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please: Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment). Outline the reasons for your interest in this position. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

Interview Date: March 2026

Start Date: To be confirmed

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal () will be considered. You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave). Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including An attractive pension scheme. 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure. Generous parental/adoption leave policy. Onsite childcare facilities. Excellent learning and development opportunities. We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.

For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick. Find out more about our awards and accreditations. We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description JD - Research Fellow (111342).pdf – 200KB Opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.