Research Assistant/Associate in Compressor Aerodynamics (fixed-term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, based at the Whittle Laboratory in Cambridgeshire. You will work on compressor aerodynamics and ice ingestion to support Rolls-Royce UltraFan engine technology and related projects.

The role involves leading an experimental campaign, designing hardware, and integrating results with CFD and low-order methods to understand and mitigate water interaction with the compressor stages.

Qualifications

• Knowledge in turbomachinery aerodynamics.
• Experience with experimental testing in wind tunnels or rotating rigs.
• Experience managing own workload and taking initiative.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience of CFD simulations in turbomachinery.
• Experience of working with industry.

Responsibilities

• Experimentally investigate dry and wet axial compressor technologies.
• Design and commission experimental hardware.
• Run and process concept geometries.
• Compare with CFD or other low-order design methods.
• Determine underlying three-dimensional flow mechanisms.
• Write research publications and attend conferences.
• Write project reports and attend meetings with project partners.

Skills

Turbomachinery aerodynamics

Experimental testing

Workload management

Communication skills

CFD simulations

Industry collaboration

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Wind tunnels

Rotating rigs

Job description

Salary Ranges

Research Assistant: £33,002 - £35,608

Research Associate: £37,694 - £46,049

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2028 in the first instance.

A position exists, for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on compressor aerodynamics.

You would develop key technologies and designs at the Whittle Laboratory to help enable the next generation of axial compressors required by Rolls-Royce UltraFan engines for both wide and narrow body aircraft.

The specific challenge is to investigate the threat to the engine caused by ice, water and slush ingestion into the core. You would lead an experimental campaign to visualise, understand and mitigate the water's interaction with the first stages of the core compressor and the bleed system designed to remove it. A complex mix of two-phase flow, aerodynamic, aeromechanical and acoustic issues is present in this part of the engine. Key to success will be use and improvement on the rapid test facilities that have been built over the last eight years at the Whittle Laboratory.

The post holder will be located at the Whittle Laboratory, Cambridgeshire, UK.

Key Responsibilities And Duties Are

• Experimentally investigate dry and wet axial compressor technologies.
• Design and commissioning of experimental hardware
• Running and processing concept geometries
• Comparison with CFD or other low-order design methods
• Determining underlying three-dimensional flow mechanisms
• Writing research publications and attending conferences
• Writing project reports and attending meetings with project partners

Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge in turbomachinery aerodynamics
• Expertise in experimental testing in wind tunnels or rotating rigs
• Experience of managing own workload and working with initiative
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience of CFD simulations in turbomachinery
• Experience of working with industry

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience). Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.