Research Associate/Fellow in Decarbonised Internal Combustion Engines (Fixed term)

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

30 days holiday + public holidays

Staff discounts & benefits

Job summary

University of Nottingham is seeking a Research Associate/Fellow to drive pioneering research in decarbonised propulsion at the Powertrain Research Centre. You will lead independent and collaborative projects, develop innovative concepts, and translate research into real-world impact with industrial and academic partners.

Applicants should hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in a relevant field, with expertise in IC engine combustion and low‑carbon fuels.

Qualifications

• PhD in an appropriate field (e.g. decarbonised propulsion) or nearing completion.
• Expertise in IC engine combustion theory and practice.
• Experience with low/zero carbon fuels and multidisciplinary research with industry and academia.
• Desirable experience in ammonia fuel line design.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver independent and collaborative research in decarbonised propulsion.
• Develop new concepts and translate research into impact with partners.
• Secure funding by proposing compelling research bids.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present to the scientific community.

Skills

IC engine combustion

Low/zero carbon fuels

Multidisciplinary research

Communication skills

Education

PhD in propulsion or related field

Job description

Salary £32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Area Engineering

Location University Park

Salary £32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Closing Date Wednesday 09 September 2026

Reference ENG990326

About The Role Are you passionate about shaping the future of sustainable propulsion? Do you want to deliver cutting-edge research that will help drive the transition to net zero transport? Join the Powertrain Research Centre as a Research Associate/Fellow and play a leading role in pioneering the next generation of decarbonised propulsion technologies. In this exciting position, you will lead and deliver both independent and collaborative research within the rapidly evolving field of decarbonised propulsion, helping to define and influence the future direction of our research portfolio. Working alongside world-leading experts and partners, you will generate new knowledge, develop innovative concepts, and translate research excellence into real-world impact. A key focus of the role will be advancing research in hybridised alternative‑fuelled propulsion engines, where you will develop novel ideas, explore emerging technologies, and create solutions to some of the sector's most pressing challenges. You will be encouraged to think creatively, challenge conventional approaches, and identify opportunities for future research growth. As part of this role, you will also contribute to securing the future of our research by developing compelling funding proposals and supporting successful research bids. You will share your discoveries with the wider scientific community through high-quality, peer‑reviewed publications and establish a strong reputation within an internationally recognised research environment. This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious researcher looking to make a significant impact in the transition to clean, sustainable propulsion systems while advancing their academic and professional career.

About The Team You will join the Powertrain Research Centre (PRC), one of the UK's leading propulsion research groups, led by Professor Alasdair Cairns, and work closely with Professor Antonino La Rocca. You'll become part of a collaborative and supportive team that includes Research Fellows, PhD researchers, and specialist technicians, all working together to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the transport sector. We are at the forefront of developing decarbonised propulsion solutions for heavy‑duty transport, delivering impactful research that supports the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Our research portfolio includes:

• Advanced engine retrofit technologies, including innovative dual fuel and alternative‑fuel concepts.
• High‑efficiency, low‑emission combustion systems, such as advanced ignition strategies and jet ignition technologies that unlock new levels of engine performance and sustainability.
• A substantial and growing research programme, supported by an active funding portfolio of approximately £12 million, with strong engagement from industry, government, and academic partners.

About You You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in an appropriate field (for example, advanced IC engine combustion or, ideally, in the field of decarbonised propulsion and the impact of oil formulation on emissions), or be close to completion. You should have expertise in IC engine combustion theory and practice, experience of low/zero carbon fuels in engines and a successful track record of multidisciplinary research with both industry and academic partners. Ideally, you will also have experience in the design on ammonia fuel lines. You will be a highly motivated, self starting individual with excellent communication skills and the ability to work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

What We Offer

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
• We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities. This includes our commitment to the Researcher Development Concordat and the use of up to 10 working days per year for development activities.
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more.

Further information is available in the role profile. This is a fixed‑term position for 12 months from the start date. Your working hours will be (36.25 hours per week).

Please contact Professor Antonino La Rocca ([e-mail] if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Further details:

• Job Description/Role Profile

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