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The University of Bath is seeking a Research Associate to support a pioneering research project in Wind-Assisted Propulsion, a technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in shipping. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, contributing to dynamic systems research through experimental campaigns and simulations.
We are seeking to recruit a Research Associate to support an Innovate UK-funded research project. This collaborative grant brings together the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, along with industrial partners, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge, high-impact research at the intersection of control engineering, artificial intelligence, and marine engineering.
Shipping currently produces greenhouse gas emissions on par with aviation, and significant efforts are underway to reduce its environmental impact. One promising approach is Wind-Assisted Propulsion, which decreases the thrust required from propellers and, consequently, the load on internal combustion engines. However, the optimal control of these propulsion systems remains an open challenge. This project builds on preliminary work using Reinforcement Learning for control strategies and aims to validate simulation results through wind tunnel testing.
You should have:
This is offered on a fixed-term basis from September 2025 until April 2026.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Nathan Sell (nps22@bath.ac.uk) or Özgür Şimşek (os435@bath.ac.uk).
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.
A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with a comparable reduction in responsibilities and an amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
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