Research Assistant - Marie Curie - 16995

Brunel University of London; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Brunel University London invites applications for a Research Assistant position linked to a Marie Curie ITN project. The role focuses on turbo-compressor design and gas flow path analysis for industrial high temperature heat pumps, using CFD tools to validate models.

The successful candidate will undertake research toward a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, starting 1 April 2027, with a fixed-term 36-month contract and salary £50,508 per year (London Allowance included).

Qualifications

• First degree or Master in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant subject.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research towards a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
• Develop CFD models for turbo-compressor design for industrial high temperature heat pumps.
• Validate CFD models using computational approaches.

Education

Bachelor's degree or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

College / Directorate

College of Engineering, Design & Physical Sciences

Full Time / Part Time

Full Time

Posted Date

22/09/2026

Closing Date

30/10/2026

Ref No

5221

Documents

• Job Description (Word , 62.53kb)

Position Title

Research Assistant – Marie Curie, Industrial Heat Pump Compressor Design - Gas Flow Path – 16995

Department/College

Department of Engineering/College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences

Location

Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus

Salary

£50,508 per annum inclusive of London Allowance - without any pension contributions

Hours

Full-time

Contract Type

Fixed-term for 36 months

Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university. For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

The Department of Engineering delivers programmes in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. It has a wide portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate taught and research programmes and is active in delivering transnational education. The department has a thriving research culture with substantial research facilities supporting the delivery of world leading impactful research.

We are seeking to appoint a research assistant who will undertake research towards a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering. The project objectives are to develop models for the design and analysis of turbo-compressors suitable for industrial high temperature heat pumps (IHTHPs). The focus will be on the gas flow path considering non-ideal gas behaviour and multi-stage arrangements. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools will be used for validation.

Candidates must hold at least a first degree or a Master-degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant subject.

This project is part of a Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) ITN aiming to train 15 PhD candidates within the newly funded project: Industrial Decarbonisation Using Innovative Low-Grade Heat Upgrade (HeatMinds). The overall aim of the work programme is to undertake cutting-edge multidisciplinary research and development to make a step change in the understanding of Industrial High Temperature Heat Pump technology. The successful candidate will start on 1 April 2027.

Candidates must not have worked or studied in the UK in the last three years.

Requirements To Apply

• Completed application form
• CV Europass ( https://europa.eu/europass/en/create-europass-cv )
• Analysis of the challenges associated with industrial heat decarbonisation and the potential of innovative IHTHPs to address these challenges, including the needs for technology development (max 3 pages)
• Short video (less than 2min): why I should be selected for the position. The candidates should address some of the following questions:
  • D1: Why did you decide to apply?
  • D2: What do you expect/want to gain from an MSCA programme?
  • D3: How do you think you can add value to an MSCA programme?
  • D4: Your strengths and weaknesses.
  • D5: Describe a time when you had to deliver a challenging project. What was your role and what was the outcome?
  • D6: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
  • D7: Why should you be selected for the position?

Closing date for applications: 30 October 2026

Interviews will take place in the first two weeks of November 2026.

If you have any technical issues please contact us at: [e-mail]

Brunel University London wishes to promote an inclusive and diverse workforce and create a culture that values the contribution of all backgrounds and communities. All employees will be recruited, selected and appointed in line with our equality and diversity policy.