Research and Innovation Associate

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 38 days

Pension schemes

University facilities access

Travel schemes

Family friendly benefits

Sports facilities

Professional development

University Club

Staff discounts

Childcare services

Job summary

University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science invites applications for a 2-year fixed-term post in the Oxford Thermofluids Institute. The role focuses on leading the daily operations of an EPSRC-funded Hypersonic Sounding Rocket Network, coordinating meetings, events, and cross-institutional collaborations.

You will supervise projects, contribute to teaching and admin, and conduct experimental hypersonics research.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of the EPSRC-funded UK Hypersonic Sounding Rocket Experiment Network.
• Organise multi-institution meetings and events; participate in technical discussions within special interest groups.
• Coordinate and supervise research projects; assist with partner collaborations and funding applications.
• Undertake dedicated experimental hypersonics research including hydrogen combustion, thermochemistry and boundary layer studies.

Job description

Department of Engineering Science, The Oxford Thermofluids Institute, Southwell Building, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES

About the role

The post-holder will engage in advanced study and academic research, and will contribute to the teaching, research, and academic administration of the Department. The immediate role for the successful applicant will be supporting:

1. Lead the day-to-day business of an EPSRC funded UK Hypersonic Sounding Rocket Experiment Network. The successful applicant will organise multi-institution meetings, events, and will participate in technical discussions within special interest groups. The role includes multi-stakeholder organisation, and communication to the public. The successful applicant will work closely with multiple academics, and administrative and technical support staff.

2. Support the research environment within the Hypersonic research group, particularly with the Professor McGilvray’s research interests. This will involve leading, devising, coordinating and supervising research projects in this area, including the work involved in the collaborations with project partners, guidance to researchers and students, and winning further funding to underpin the research. The post-holder will also be involved in the administrative activities of the Group.

3. Undertake dedicated experimental research in hypersonics. This will include hydrogen combustion, non-equilibrium thermochemistry/radiation, heat flux augmentation from roughness and blowing, boundary layer transition and diagnostic development.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator Prof Matthew McGilvray, the post holder is a member of the hypersonics research group.

About you

Reporting to the Principal Investigator Prof Matthew McGilvray, the post holder is a member of the hypersonics research group. Professor McGilvray heads the UK Centre of Excellence in Hypersonics Science and Technology and was awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering/MoD Research Chair in Hypersonic vehicles. He has led the development of multiple large scale hypersonic wind tunnels, including the Oxford High Density Tunnel and the Oxford T6 Stalker Tunnel, as part of the UK’s National Wind Tunnel Facility. His research focus spans hypersonic vehicle aerodynamics, heating and propulsion technology.

What we offer

At the University of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a number of generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges.The other benefits include:

• Travel - We have several travel schemes availablefor staffwhich promote sustainable modes of transport.
• Family friendly benefits - We aim to be a family-friendly employer and offer a range of flexible working options. We have some of the most generous family leave provision in the Higher Education sector.
• Sports – We have several schemes to help you stay fit and healthy, including discounted membership of the university sports centre on the Iffley Road
• Personal and professional development - We actively encourage all staff to participate in planning their personal and professional development and provide a broad range of opportunities to enablethemto reach their full potential.
• University club - All staff are entitled to free membership of the University Club. It offers social and hospitality facilities, a small gym and exercise classes.
• Staff discounts - University staff can access shopping discounts in several ways; by purchasing a TOTUM card, by showing an employee pass in selected local stores, or online by using any of the listed discount codes
• Childcare services - We offer excellent childcare services including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at other local private nurseries.

The position is a 2 Year fixed term post

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 09 October 2026

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. The Department is committed to equality and valuing diversity and holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality in academia. The University is a Living Wage Employer, holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, an HR Excellence in Research and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we seek to create a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through our EDI Committee, working groups and networks, for example eng.ox.ac.uk/women-in-engineering , as well as a number of family friendly policies .