(Senior) Scientist, Surface Remanufacturing Technology , ARTC

About the GroupThe Surface Remanufacturing Technology (SRT) Group at ARTC develops advanced surface engineering, coating, and finishing technologies for industrial applications. Projects are often industry-driven or competitively funded, involving both fundamental R&D and translation into practical, production-scale processes.Role SummaryYou will lead and execute research in spray coating technologies, spanning atmospheric pressure plasma(APP), ultrasonic spray, vacuum plasma spray (VPS), cold/hybrid spray, etc., to develop new processes and materials, optimise performance, and ensure scalability & reliability. The role involves experimental design, materials and process characterisation, technology integration, and collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners.Key ResponsibilitiesLead R&D efforts in spray coating processes: APP / VPS, ultrasonic spray, vacuum plasma spray, cold/hybrid spray, etc.Design, setup, and conduct coating trials; optimise process parameters (e.g. temperature, spray distance, feedstock, carrier gas, dwell time) to meet functional requirements (adhesion, hardness, wear / corrosion resistance, hydrogen embrittlement resistance etc.).Select or develop coating materials (powders, liquids), pre-/post-treatment processes, and investigate their effects on microstructure and performance.Perform materials and microstructural characterisation: sample preparation (sectioning, mounting, polishing, etc.), microscopy (optical, SEM), spectroscopy, XRD, hardness / mechanical testing, etc.Troubleshoot and improve process stability, reproducibility, and scalability; understand failure modes and address issues.Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (materials scientists, mechanical engineers, surface metrology experts) and with industrial partners for technology transfer.Stay up to date on emerging spray coating technologies and guide incorporation of new techniques (e.g. VPS, advanced feedstocks, hybrid processes).Qualifications & ExperienceEssential:PhD degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Surface Engineering, or a related field.Demonstrated experience in at least one or more spray coating technologies (APP / ultrasonic spray / vacuum plasma spray / cold spray / etc.).Solid understanding of materials science fundamentals: phase transformations, microstructure, adhesion, thermal effects, etc.Experience with material characterisation tools: microscopy (optical, SEM), XRD, hardness testing, etc.Ability to design experiments, optimise process parameters, analyse data, and draw actionable conclusions.Desirable:Experience in scale-up / pilot / industrial implementations of coating processes.Knowledge of post-coating treatments (heat treatment, polishing, sealing, etc.).Familiarity with surface metrology and performance testing (wear, corrosion, fatigue).Project management experience; ability to guide junior researchers / engineers / lab officersGood communication skills (technical writing, presentations), and ability to collaborate with internal & external stakeholders.