Research Fellow - Smart EM Sensing Steel Forming

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For informal queries, please contact Professor Claire Davis at or Dr Frank Zhou at .

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.

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.

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).

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:

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

• World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026
• Research Excellence Framework 2021

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.
• Interview Date:
  March 2026.
• Start Date:
  
  To be confirmed.

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through…