Principal Researcher in Materials (Shape Memory Alloys)

About this position

ARQUIMEA , we are a technology company operating globally and providing innovate solutions and products in highly demanding sectors.

Our areas of activity are Aerospace, Defense & Security, Big Science, Biotechnology and Fintech.

Main function and scope:

• Launch and lead ARC’s research line in Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) in Tenerife.

• This is a hands-on postdoctoral position for an independent, energetic and adaptable researcher who connects advanced materials science with engineering applications and future space technologies.

Primary Functions:

• Define the SMA research roadmap, priorities, hypotheses and experimental plans.

• Design, process and characterise SMA specimens, components and prototypes.

• Investigate composition, processing, microstructure and functional performance relationships.

• Study transformation behaviour, shape-memory effect, superelasticity, fatigue, hysteresis and environmental stability.

• Establish experimental methods, test benches, instrumentation and data-analysis workflows.

• Develop and validate application-oriented demonstrators.

• Collaborate with mechanical, electronics, systems and manufacturing teams.

• Identify funding opportunities, academic collaborations, industrial partnerships and technology-transfer opportunities.

• Prepare technical reports, research proposals, scientific publications, presentations and IP disclosures where appropriate.

• Contribute to laboratory organisation, documentation, configuration control and good laboratory and safety practices.

• Mentor junior researchers and support the future growth of the research line.

• Other reasonable duties as required.

Required experience and candidate profile:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline.

• Postdoctoral research experience, or equivalent evidence of independent research capability after the Ph.D.

• Early- to mid-career postdoctoral profile with demonstrated independent research in SMAs and experimental materials science.

Specific Training / Knowledge Required in:

• Direct research or industrial experience with Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), such as NiTi, Cu-based, Fe-based or emerging SMA systems.

• Understanding of martensitic/austenitic transformations, the shape-memory effect and superelasticity.

• Hands-on experience with SMA processing, heat treatment, mechanical testing, thermal analysis, microscopy, diffraction or related techniques.

• Strong experience in experimental design, materials characterisation and scientific data analysis.

• Ability to connect material behaviour with component-level performance and application requirements.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Desirable Experience:

• Application of SMAs or smart materials to space systems, spacecraft, launch systems, mechanisms, thermal control or deployable structures.

• Experience with vacuum, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, radiation-related constraints, outgassing or long-duration reliability.

• Additive manufacturing, joining, coatings, thin films, miniaturised actuators or functional composites involving SMAs.

• Prototypes or demonstrators beyond laboratory-scale material samples.

• Finite-element modelling, multiphysics simulation or digital image correlation.

• European/international R&D funding, proposal writing or technology transfer.

• Supervision of junior researchers and scientific leadership.

This position will be based at the Nanotec Building in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife.

We're looking for curious, creative, tenacious and collaborative people , eager to do things and unafraid to tackle challenges in order to contribute to improving the society in wich we live.

Think Big, Do the Job & Enjoy Life

At ARQUIMEA, we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected factors by law. All candidates will be considered equally based on their skills and experience