Are you passionate about research on surfaces, interfaces and related topics in tribology or surface engineering? Do you have the vision and drive to tackle new engineering challenges related to surfaces and interfaces that underpin the dual transition in Green and Digital technologies and want to be part of a vibrant, collaborative and supportive research and teaching environment? If so, the University of Leeds has an exciting opportunity for you to join us as an Associate Professor in Tribology/Surface Engineering.

The Institute of Functional Surfaces (iFS), is one of four institutes in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds. It carries out interdisciplinary research across length scales and at technology readiness levels, from fundamental science to application and commercialisation in the fields of 1). tribology, 2). surface engineering, and 3). corrosion and flow assurance. 

In line with the university strategy of growing our capabilities to tackle global challenges, we are now seeking an experienced researcher at the level of  Associate Professor to join the institute to continue building research excellence in tackling global engineering challenges in surfaces and interfaces. We are interested in candidates with a strong research background and vision in Green Tribology, Novel Applications of Tribology, Sensing of Surface Integrity, Smart Coatings/Condition Monitoring, Sustainability of Tribological Systems used in Extreme/Demanding Environments or any other materials/tribology/surface engineering research area. There must be a clear vision of how your research would complement and enhance existing research activity in the Institute of Functional Surfaces and the wider Bragg Centre for Materials Research. 

Through the Functional Surfaces theme of the University’s Bragg Centre, you will have access to an advanced materials research infrastructure and the opportunity to build new collaborations with colleagues across the university. Teaching duties will be in areas relevant to our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Mechanical, Aerospace and Automotive programmes and you will be expected to offer undergraduate and postgraduate projects. You will also contribute to the School’s continuing professional development and knowledge transfer activities and provide academic leadership to further enhance the international research and teaching reputation of the School of Mechanical Engineering.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, for example if you are applying directly from industry, please contact: 

Professor Neil W. Bressloff, Head of School, School of Mechanical Engineering (email: [email protected]) OR

Professor Ardian Morina, Director of the Institute for Functional Surfaces (email: [email protected])

Please read the 'How to apply' section in the Candidate Brief on what additional documents to upload as part of your online application.