Overview of the Role

LITAC Research Fellow in Smart Textiles, Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour, School of Design, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge?  Can you perform technically challenging tasks with smart textiles, e-textiles, wearable electronics, sensors and intelligent materials to support research projects? Do you have a background in smart materials, electronics or smart textiles?  Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities?

The University of Leeds is one of the top 75 universities in the world.  We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities.  Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe. 

You will join the Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC), a collaborative, multi-disciplinary research institute addressing global challenges in textile industries through research and innovation, as well as teaching. Development of innovative science and technology, materials, methods and processes to enable sustainable development is key to our mission.  

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled researcher to support multiple research projects working with various sensors, electronic devices, smart textiles, e-textiles, wearable electronics, smart polymers, smart composites, as well as laboratory scale textile manufacturing equipment, on innovative research projects applying knowledge of electronics,  mechatronics and smart materials to undertake research in the field of innovative and sustainable smart textile, wearable electronics and composite products. You will assist in the day-to-day planning, organisation and implementation of experiments in the laboratory to ensure the smooth running of the research facilities.

The role encompasses three main areas of support: research, teaching and lab/workshop operational management.

You will work closely with the Director of the Leeds Institute of Textiles & Colour (LITAC) and the School of Design Director of Research and Innovation as well as with various academics in LITAC and the wider School, playing a key role in their projects by carrying out research in the areas of smart textiles, e-textiles, smart composites, prototype, characterisation and testing of such systems (e.g. smart textile fibres, fabrics, garments and composites) to address defined and unmet needs in a diverse range of industry and consumer applications. You will engage in all aspects of research and will be also involved in the analysis and dissemination of the research findings, including the preparation of journal papers.

You will work closely with relevant Academic Lead(s) responsible for school labs to help with the management and operational running of those areas, as well as provide support, instruction, and advice on the use of equipment and processes in all aspects of prototyping, manufacturing and characterisation of smart textiles. 

You will work closely with the Director of Student Education and Programme Leaders to provide guidance and instruction to students for research projects on smart textiles, e-textile, intelligent clothing, smart materials, smart composites, and their integration into smart products. You will also be given the opportunity to collaborate with other academic staff in the development and delivery of relevant course content to UG, PDT and PGR students.

You will work closely with other textile technology researchers working in the same area to provide advice and support to staff and students, including advice on Health and Safety related matters for staff and students within the School and the general upkeep of textile and electronic equipment and School premises in relation to prototyping, manufacturing and characterisation of smart textiles, e-textile, intelligent clothing, smart materials, smart composites, and their integrated products.

You will gain invaluable experience in the field and obtain an excellent developmental opportunity as a researcher and instructor/tutor. You will benefit from being a Research Fellow in a research-intensive Russell Group University and gaining excellent training, taking part in research colloquia and networking with other researchers at the University of Leeds and beyond.

What we offer in return

And much more!  

Contact information

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Stephen Russell, Director, Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour 

Email: [email protected]