Research Associate in Fluid Power and Control (KK12732)

University of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Bath is seeking a Research Associate to develop innovative digital hydraulic fluid power technologies aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. This full-time role offers opportunities for interdisciplinary research and professional development within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Free counselling services

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice

Staff discounts (gym, tuition, language courses)

Generous pension schemes

Personal and professional development opportunities

Free museum entry

Relocation allowance

Qualifications

• PhD or within six months of completion.
• Experience in hydraulic technologies or control systems is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and model digital hydraulic fluid power technologies.
• Prototype, validate, and evaluate digital hydraulic converters.
• Integrate digital fluid power systems and conduct experimental validations.
• Disseminate research outcomes and promote new technologies.

Skills

Research

Design

Modelling

Prototyping

Experimental validation

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a Research Associate to play a key role in designing and developing digital hydraulic fluid power technologies and control systems. This position is funded by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, focusing on Digital Hydraulic Fluid Power Technologies for decarbonising off-road vehicles.

Hydraulic fluid power offers advantages such as high power density, compactness, low weight, fast response, and good controllability. However, traditional hydraulic control methods using valves are energy inefficient, with an average system efficiency of about 21%.

This project aims to design, develop, and prototype next-generation digital hydraulic technologies and control systems to significantly improve hydraulic energy efficiency, fuel consumption, and reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to a sustainable future. There are also opportunities for interdisciplinary research on highly efficient actuation mechanisms in collaboration with national and international colleagues.

About You

You will be responsible for delivering high-quality research, including:

1. Design and modelling of digital hydraulic fluid power technologies
2. Prototyping, validating, and evaluating digital hydraulic converters
3. Integrating digital fluid power systems and conducting experimental validations
4. Disseminating research outcomes and promoting the exploitation of new technologies

Further Information

As a Research Staff member at the University of Bath, you are encouraged to undertake at least 10 days of professional development annually. A lower grade (Grade 6) position may be offered with similar responsibilities, targeted at applicants within six months of completing their PhD, with promotion to Research Associate upon PhD completion.

This position is full-time (36.5 hours), fixed-term for 24 months. For informal discussions, contact Prof Min Pan at [e-mail].

What We Can Offer You

We celebrate diversity and are committed to equality, holding a Silver Athena SWAN award. We support a safe, inclusive environment and are an autism-friendly, Disability Confident Leader university. Benefits include:

• Free counselling services
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice
• Staff discounts (gym, postgraduate tuition, language courses)
• Generous pension schemes and leave allowance
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• Free museum entry, local discounts, family-friendly policies
• Relocation allowance, visa reimbursement, interest-free loan

We continually expand our benefits to support our staff. Find out more about our offerings.

Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on X for more insights. The closing date for applications is 19 June 2025. Department: Education & Research. Salary: £38,249 to £45,413.