Research Associate (SB13960) - Bath, BA2 7AY

University of Bath; Folly Gate; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation allowance

Visa reimbursement

Cycle to work scheme

Team Bath gym discount

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to explore fluid dynamics and heat transfer in rotating compressor cavities of gas turbine engines. This EPSRC-funded project combines academic rigor with industrial collaboration to develop hydrogen-compatible turbomachinery technology.

You will lead a technically ambitious project, applying experimental methods and computational tools to advance understanding and provide scalable

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant engineering field or experience in industrial R&D.
• Experience with experimentation and data analysis tools such as Matlab.
• Proficiency in CAD.
• Confidence working independently and engaging with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of a major research project to advance fluid-dynamics and heat transfer in rotating compressor cavities.
• Lead experimental investigations and analyze data to progress boundary-layer and transition studies.
• Collaborate with academic and industry partners to scale findings for practical engine designs.
• Present results and contribute to high-impact publications and reports.

Skills

Matlab

CAD

Independent work

Education

PhD in a relevant engineering field

Tools

Experimental methods

Job description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the fluid dynamics and heat transfer in rotating compressor cavities of gas turbines engines. The project is funded by the EPSRC in collaboration with the University of Surrey, Rolls-Royce and Siemens Energy. We are seeking a driven and capable individual to lead a high-impact project developing the next generation of hydrogen-compatible turbomachinery technology.

This position will offer you a way to apply your experience to a project that could shape the future of green energy technology and net-zero aerospace. As the Research Associate, you'll lead a technically ambitious project with real-world application and long-term value. You'll have the chance to:

• Take ownership of a major research project to advance the understanding of fluid-dynamics and heat transfer through innovative experimental methods
• Work at the intersection of academia and industry with support from both
• Develop your skills in leadership, innovation, and strategic technical development
• Gain access to training and a personal development allowance
• Broaden your professional network through interaction with industrial partners

This role offers the autonomy of an academic position, with the added benefits of structured support and mentoring.

The goal is to investigate experimentally the buoyancy-induced rotating flow in a compressor cavity at low TRL. The research is underpinned by brand new instrumentation and to be conducted over a range of non-dimensional, engine-representative conditions. The study includes a fundamental exploration of boundary-layer transition from laminar to turbulent flow at high Grashof number. The experiments will be complemented by computational simulation at the University of Surrey, with the aim to scale data to higher TRL. The successful completion and implementation of this research will improve engine design methods at Rolls-Royce and Siemens for next-generation hydrogen-compatible engines.

• A PhD in a relevant engineering field or experience in industrial R&D
• Experience with experimentation and data analysis tools such as Matlab
• Proficiency in CAD
• Confidence working independently and engaging with multiple stakeholders

Further Information: This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours) fixed term basis with an expected duration of 36 months.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

What we can offer you

We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• A family-friendly workplace
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app

Be Well at Bath

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:

• Staff support groups and networks
• A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
• A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive