Research Assistant - Marie Curie - 16996

Brunel Law School; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Brunel University London invites applications for a Research Assistant position within the Marie Curie ITN HeatMinds project. The role focuses on mechanical and electrical design of industrial heat pump compressors, with the aim of developing and validating models for turbo-compressor systems using Finite Element and thermal analysis tools.

The appointment supports doctoral studies and research progress toward a PhD.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold at least a first degree or a Master-degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant subject.
• Strong background in mechanical design and modeling for high-temperature heat pumps is desirable.
• Experience with Finite Element and Thermal Analysis tools is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop models for the design and analysis of turbo-compressors for industrial high temperature heat pumps (IHTHPs).
• Validate models using Finite Element and Thermal Analysis tools.

Skills

Finite Element Analysis

Thermal analysis

Research planning

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant subject

Tools

Finite Element Software

Job description

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.

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: 5222

Position Title: Research Assistant - Marie Curie, Mechanical and Electrical Design of Industrial Heat Pump Compressors – 16996

Department/College: Department of Engineering/College of Engineering, Design & 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 compressor system mechanical and electrical design considering sealing and cooling of components. The models will be validated using Finite Element and Thermal Analysis tools.

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

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.

Documents

• Job Description (Word, 62.2kb)