Research Assistant/Research Fellow: Contaminant Removal & Ultra-Low Flux Mel

Research Assistant/Research Fellow: Contaminant Removal & Ultra-Low Flux Melt Processing Development for Upcycling Al Alloys - 16833

Department/College: Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST)

Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus

Salary: Grade R1

Research Assistant: from £36,640 to £38,638 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £39,682 per annum inclusive of London Weighting through sustained exceptional contribution.

Research Fellow: from £40,757 to £44,179 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £52,067 per annum inclusive of London Weighting through sustained exceptional contribution.

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Fixed-term 36 months              

Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits. 

For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

BCAST is a speciality research centre focusing on solidification and wider metallurgical research with an international reputation. BCAST is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for both metal processing and materials characterisation. See https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Centres/BCAST for more information.

This position is funded by an EU funded project entitled CLEANMAT for a period of 36 months. CLEANMAT is developing next-generation aluminium recycling processes that eliminate harmful cleaning chemicals, drastically reduce emissions and waste, and maximize material quality and circularity. The project integrates a digital thread for real-time process optimization, advanced sensors for contaminant detection, environmentally friendly thermal pre-treatment, and flux-minimized melting and refining for both modern and traditional furnaces. Impacts will be rigorously assessed through Life Cycle and Environmental Analysis, targeting significant reductions in CO₂e emissions, energy consumption, hazardous substances, and slag generation, while ensuring safe and sustainable operations.

This position focuses on Contaminant Removal & Ultra-Low Flux Melt Processing
This role focuses on developing methods to remove extra inclusions and impurities caused by contamination and implementing ultra-low flux melt refining for gas-fired, reverberatory, and other industrial aluminium furnaces. The work includes designing process recipes with flow control, thermal management, and alkali removal.

The post holder should have a degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or Metal Materials or working towards a PhD in Material science/ metallurgy/ Material engineering (Metal), candidates with a BSc degree and a minimum of two years’ hands-on experience in aluminium manufacturing, particularly in aluminium casting, will also be considered. (evidence requested).

We offer a generous annual leave package plus discretionary University closure days, excellent training and development opportunities as well as a great occupational pension scheme and a range of health-related support. The University is committed to a hybrid working approach.

Closing date for applications:  30 April 2026

For further details about the post including the Job Description and Person Specification and to apply please visit https://careers.brunel.ac.uk

If you have any technical issues please contact us at: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk

Brunel University London is fully committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, we particularly welcome applicants who are currently under- represented in our workforce.