Research Assistant/Associate in Experimental Fluid Dynamics (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate in Experimental Fluid Dynamics to contribute to cutting-edge research in vortex control. This role requires a PhD in a relevant field and offers the opportunity to work collaboratively on innovative projects that bridge academia and applied research.

Qualifications

• Pending or obtained PhD in fluid mechanics.
• Experience with peer-reviewed publications.
• Proven research track record in fluid mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on vortex control with fluid dynamics methods.
• Disseminate research findings in reports and publications.
• Support group activities and manage research databases.

Skills

Flow control

Team collaboration

Good communication skills

Independent working

Education

PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or related area

Tools

CFD

Wind/water tunnel testing

Job description

A position exists, for a Research Assistant/Associate in Experimental Fluid Dynamics in the Department of Engineering, to work on the Royal Society ISPF International Collaboration Award [ICA/R1/231053], titled 'Control of Vortex through Permeability: from Noises in the Air to Cavitation in the Seas-Contacts'.

The key responsibilities and duties are:

• Undertake research within the core area of the research project, particularly on the passive control of tip vortices with permeable tip treatment with experimental and/or computational fluid dynamics approaches. This will entail both independent research work and collaboration with other researchers and project partners. The successful candidate will proactively engage with collaborator to identify promising research directions in this area.
• Dissemination of research findings through internal reports, conference proceedings, and journal publications.
• Support group activities related to knowledge transfer, leadership and administration including tasks such as managing databases, websites, and organising meetings and events.
• Develop plans for personal research and contribute to wider development of the group's strategy for identifying and agreeing on priorities for current and future work.
  
• Contribute to writing bids to win research grants aligned with the group strategy.
• Provide guidance to other staff and students interested in integrating methods/results from this work into their own activity to ensure most effective use, particularly within the group and the department.

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are:

• A successful candidate has obtained or is close to obtaining a PhD or equivalent degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a clearly related area, with a focus on fluid mechanics.
• Experience in delivering research project results in a fluid mechanics context, i.e. a record of peer-reviewed journal papers in a relevant area.
• Proven track record, supported by high-impact publications as first author, of research in fluid mechanics is desirable.
• Expertise in flow control and/or offshore renewable energy will be considered as advantageous.
• Capable of working in a team and collaboratively with researchers from different disciplines or technical background.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Good communication skills; oral, writing and presentation of data.
• Experience in writing papers, proposals, and presenting the results at international conferences.
• Experience in performing wind/water tunnel testing, particularly for flow visualisation and acoustic measurements.
• Experience in CFD, particularly acoustic simulations, will be considered as advantageous.
• Capable of working independently, exercising a high degree of initiative and demonstrating a pro-active and flexible approach to work.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet agreed milestones.
• Good time-keeping and time-management, with associated effective prioritisation of tasks.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. 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 post holder will be located in Central Cambridge Cambridgeshire, UK.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 15 August 2026 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact: Anna Walczyk, [e-mail] .

Please quote reference NM46282 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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.