Research Assistant - Marie Curie - 16997

Brunel University London; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus, invites applications for a Research Assistant to work towards a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. The project will develop modelling tools for industrial high-temperature heat pumps and advanced coatings, to be validated experimentally.

Applicants should hold a first degree or a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. The project is part of the MSCA ITN HeatMinds, starting 1 April 2027, with a closing date of 30 October 2026.

Qualifications

• First degree or Master in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant subject.
• Experience in research and modelling related to heat pump technology is desirable.
• Willingness to participate in an MSCA ITN HeatMinds project.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research towards a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
• Develop generalised modelling tools for industrial high temperature heat pumps.
• Validate models with experimental tests and disseminate results.

Skills

Research

Mechanical Engineering

PhD preparation

Education

First degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant subject

Job description

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

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 main objectives are to develop generalised modelling tools for industrial high temperature heat pumps heat exchangers that will consider modern manufacturing methods. This will include the development of multilayer coatings including bonding methods that are able to withstand corrosive and erosive environments. The models will be validated using experimental tests conducted by the candidate.

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.

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