Research Associate in Advanced Laser Diagnostics Investigating the Fluid Mechanics of Primary B[...]

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research institution in Edinburgh is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) focused on laser diagnostics and spray atomization studies. In this role, you will contribute to evaluating the primary breakup of synthetic liquid fuels. Candidates must hold a PhD in Engineering or similar fields and demonstrate a strong research background. This fixed-term position offers competitive salary and staff benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive staff benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Qualifications

• Proven track record with laser diagnostics for fluid mechanics research.
• Experience in spray research is essential.
• Strong track record in publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the project on unresolved fluid mechanics.
• Perform experimental measurements related to atomization.
• Utilize imaging methods to study liquid structures in sprays.
• Conduct systematic studies on liquid fuel behavior.

Skills

Laser diagnostics

Spray research

Fluid mechanics

Optical flow

Education

PhD in Engineering or relevant fields

Job description

Overview

Grade UE07: £41,064-£48,822 per annum

School of Engineering, College of Science & Engineering / Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids

Full-Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-Term: up to 24 months

The Opportunity

We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher associate (PDRA) who has appreciable experience with laser diagnostics and spray atomization for fundamental studies of primary breakup of synthetic liquid fuels including ammonia.

The Opportunity:

This Research Associate position will contribute to the project “Unresolved fluid mechanics at liquid/gas interfaces for primary breakup of atomizing sprays” within the Institute of Multiscale Thermofluids at the University of Edinburgh, which is funded by the European Research Council.

This project focuses on experimental measurements to study the fluid mechanics associated with primary atomization for a variety liquids and bespoke nozzles. This portion of the project will place more emphasis on synthetic fuels, such as ammonia, which are prone to flash boiling. This project utilizes imaging methods such as ballistic imaging and two-photon LIF to image intact liquid structures within a spray, and combines this imaging with wavelet-based optical flow to measure the velocity and acceleration distributions associated with liquid structures. Systematic studies will be performed to understand the primary breakup behaviour for flashing and non-flashing operation, and compare these dynamics with other liquid fuels. In-nozzle imaging will also be considered using transparent nozzles to correlate the near-field breakup behaviour with the liquid behaviour exiting the nozzle.

We are hiring a PDRA with experience with laser diagnostics in sprays. Candidates with experience in optical flow can also be considered. Candidates without experience with laser diagnostics will not be considered. Strong candidates will exhibit the ability to learn new diagnostics and image processing methods (e.g., wOFV) and apply them to optically dense sprays. Candidates must have their PhD in Engineering or other relevant fields. The candidate will join two PhDs and another PDRA working within the realms of this project.

This role is UE07 and is available on a fixed term basis for up to 24 months.

Your skills and attributes for success

• Proven track record with laser diagnostics for fluid mechanics research
• Experience in spray research
• Strong track-record in publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals
• Experience or theoretical knowledge of optical flow
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics and multiphase flows

A full list of main responsibilities and the knowledge, skills and experience required for the role can be found in the full job description below.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the project “Unresolved fluid mechanics at liquid/gas interfaces for primary breakup of atomizing sprays”
• Perform experimental measurements related to primary atomization for various liquids and bespoke nozzles
• Utilise imaging methods (ballistic imaging, two-photon LIF) to image liquid structures within a spray
• Combine imaging with wavelet-based optical flow to measure velocity and acceleration distributions
• Conduct systematic studies of flashing and non-flashing operation and compare with other liquid fuels
• Assist with in-nozzle imaging using transparent nozzles to correlate near-field breakup with exiting liquid behavior
• Learn and apply new diagnostics and image processing methods to optically dense sprays
• Collaborate with two PhD students and another PDRA within the project

As a valued member of our team you can expect

• A competitive salary
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 24 September 2025.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held directly after shortlisting candidates