Postdoctoral Research Associate

Durham University; North East; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Engineering. You will focus on SOFC modelling, 3D combustion and AI-assisted hybrid marine propulsion, contributing to UK Clean Maritime and Horizon Europe projects.

You will develop modelling toolkits, analyze data, publish results, and support proposals and impact activities within a collaborative research team.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near submission) in Mechanical/General Engineering.
• A good first degree in Mechanical Engineering or General Engineering.
• Strong publication record and ability to present research at international venues.
• Experience developing ammonia-fueled SOFC and engine models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced SOFC modelling, 3D combustion and AI-assisted propulsion studies.
• Publish high-quality papers and present findings at conferences.
• Develop research objectives, designs and proposals with PI guidance.
• Plan and manage independent research projects and timelines.
• Collaborate with industry and academic partners to maximise impact.
• Supervise students and contribute to teaching/mentoring activities.

Skills

1D/3D modelling

MATLAB

CFD software

Research publications

Academic presentation

Independent research planning

Team collaboration

Communications skills

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or General Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/General Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

CFD software

1D/3D modelling tools

Job description

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on [e-mail]

Job Description - Postdoctoral Research Associate (26001188)

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Job Number: 26001188)

Department of Engineering

Fixed Term - Full Time

Working Arrangements : 9am and 5pm

Closing Date

03-Sep-2026, 10:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement : Not Applicable.

As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community.

Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential.

We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all.

The successful candidate for this Research Associate position will join the Department of Engineering at Durham University. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of novel low carbon power technologies and contribute to sustainable and zero emission maritime transport. We are looking for highly motivated researchers to join the research team working on a UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub and a Horizon Europe project involving both innovative decarbonisation technologies for the maritime sector and AI-based decision-making tools for maritime asset owners and operators.

As a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities, Durham University has a longstanding commitment to excellence in research and research-led teaching. Recognised as one of the world’s leading centres for Engineering research, Durham is ranked 4th in the Complete University Guide, and 6th in both The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and The Guardian University Guide 2025, and is consistently listed among the world’s top 100 universities.

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Department of Engineering, with a focus on advanced solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) modelling, three-dimensional combustion and engine simulation, and AI-assisted modelling approaches for hybrid marine propulsion system development incorporating a range of decarbonisation technologies.

This position is part of the EPSRC MaRes Hub and the Horizon Europe project SEASTARS, both of which aim to advance maritime sustainability through the integration of innovative emission-reduction and energy-efficiency technologies across multiple ship classes and shore power applications.

The project seeks to deliver industry-relevant modelling toolkits that enable optimal design and operation of greener vessels, backed by real-world demonstrations. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of multi-disciplinary modelling, advanced AI algorithms, and decision-support tool development. Responsibilities will include programming, analysing and interpreting data, and contributing to innovative solutions that support maritime decarbonisation. Additional duties involve supporting research funding proposals, engaging in licensing or spin-out activities, and enhancing the public and commercial impact of the research.

Key responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

The post-holder is employed to work on the EPSRC and Horizon projects which will be led by Prof Dawei Wu. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

This post is fixed term is time limited and will end on 31/12/2027.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.

The University closes between Christmas and New Year.

We offer a generous pension scheme, as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolledinto the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.

There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.

Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.

Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.

A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.

If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.

If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.

The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Leader status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

Contact Information

Department contact for academic-related enquiries

Department contact for academic-related enquiries: [e-mail]

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you're experiencing to [e-mail]

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or [phone] from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).

Person Specification

Qualifications

A good first degree in Mechanical Engineering or General Engineering .

• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Mechanical Engineering or General Engineering .

Experience

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
• Experience in developing engines and/or fuel cells models with 1D and 3D modelling tools.
• Experience in using MATLAB/ Python and various CFD software to develop fuel cells and engine models for powertrains and propulsion systems within the transportation and energy sectors.

Skills

• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Experience

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
• A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
• Experience in developing ammonia fueled solid oxide fuel cells and combustion engine studies.
• Experience in working with industry partners and other internal or external parties to maximise the research impact and establish new research collaboration.

Skills

• Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on [e-mail]