Postdoctoral Research Associate HI-ACT

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research university in the North East is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance hydrogen technologies. The role involves conducting experimental and numerical studies, requiring a PhD in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and expertise in engineering experiments. This fixed-term position is part of the HI-ACT project, focusing on industry-relevant tools for hydrogen systems.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of publishing in high-quality international journals.
• Experience working as a research student in an engineering/virtual lab.
• Expertise in designing and developing experimental rigs for hydrogen technologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental and numerical studies within hydrogen research.
• Develop and operate industry-relevant tools for hydrogen technologies.
• Support research funding proposals and public/commercial impact.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Design and execution of engineering experiments

Programming and data analysis

Education

PhD in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related subject

Job description

The Role and Department
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 hydrogen technologies and their integration to the energy systems. The successful candidate will hold a PhD degree (or close to completion) in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related subject, with a proven track record of publishing in high quality international academic journals and experience of working as a research student in an engineering/virtual lab. With excellent communication skills, the candidate will have expertise in the design and execution of engineering experiments but also in the design and development of experimental rigs for innovative development relevant to hydrogen technologies (such as hydrogen fueled power and propulsion system development, etc.).

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 undertaking both experimental and numerical studies within the hydrogen research hub (HI-ACT) funded by EPSRC.

The project seeks to deliver industry-relevant tools that enable optimal design and operation of hydrogen technologies in real-world application. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of multi-disciplinary modelling, advanced AI algorithms, and decision-support tool development for various hydrogen technologies-based energy systems. Responsibilities will include programming, analysing and interpreting data, and contributing to innovative experimental study that support hydrogen technology development. Additional duties involve supporting research funding proposals, engaging in licensing or spin-out activities, and enhancing the public and commercial impact of the research.

The post-holder is employed to work on the HI-ACT project 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 on the HI-ACT project for a period of 2 years. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1 November 2025.