Senior Research Assistant - Thermal and Control Engineering (LPG Vaporization)

University of South Wales; Pontypridd; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Wales (USW), in collaboration with ELITE FLOW CONTROL UK LIMITED, is recruiting a Senior Research Assistant for an Innovate UK AKT6 project to develop an early-stage engineering decision framework for a dry-type LPG vaporizer.

The position is based primarily with Elite Flow Control UK Limited in Stoke-on-Trent, with academic support from USW in Pontypridd, offering hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Examine LPG blends and demand scenarios to inform design decisions.
• Assess heating requirements and control response.
• Communicate technical work clearly with industry and academic partners.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering analysis and control knowledge to an industrial challenge.
• Develop a practical framework for LPG vaporizer concepts.

Skills

Engineering analysis

Control systems

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Job description

Senior Research Assistant - Thermal and Control Engineering (LPG Vaporization)

The University of South Wales (USW), working with ELITE FLOW CONTROL UK LIMITED, is recruiting an Senior Research Assistant for an Innovate UK Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnership (AKT6). The project will help the company develop an early-stage engineering decision framework for a dry‑type liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vaporizer concept.

Based primarily with ELITE FLOW CONTROL UK LIMITED in Stoke‑on‑Trent, with academic support from USW in Pontypridd and appropriate hybrid working arrangements subject to agreement, the postholder will apply engineering analysis and control‑system knowledge to a focused industrial challenge.

The postholder will examine variable propane/butane blends and representative demand scenarios, assess heating requirements and control response, and turn their findings into a practical framework that can be used by the company. We are seeking a methodical, commercially aware engineer who can communicate technical work clearly and collaborate with industry and academic colleagues.

This is a full‑time (1.0 FTE), fixed‑term position.

For an informal discussion please contact Dr Hammad Nazir, Knowledge Base Supervisor, [e-mail].

If you are a successful candidate and this position will be your first professional services role at the University (or you are currently employed by PSS Ltd), you will be employed by Professional and Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of South Wales, which provides services to the University and Colleges.

Discover the advantages of working with us at USW: https://tinyurl.com/PSSatUSW

USW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All those working at the University are expected to share this commitment.

We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment. Where colleagues can be themselves and every person is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and communities, especially with regards to age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race and religion and/or belief. We benchmark our success through equality accreditations with Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Stonewall and Disability Confident.

If you’re a Welsh learner or a Welsh speaker, we’d be delighted to receive your application. At USW, you’ll have access to Welsh courses to enable you to develop your Welsh skills further, in order to provide a bilingual service to our students, colleagues and the public.

We welcome applications in Welsh and English. Applications in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than those made in English.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident: Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.

Essential requirements

The postholder will examine variable propane/butane blends and representative demand scenarios, assess heating requirements and control response, and turn their findings into a practical framework that can be used by the company. We are seeking a methodical, commercially aware engineer who can communicate technical work clearly and collaborate with industry and academic colleagues.

Salary: from £34,610 a year, pro rata

Hours: Full-time

Location: Pontypridd, CF37 1DL

Working pattern: Hybrid - 1 day remote

Job type: Temporary

Posting date: 9 Nov 2026

Closing date: 16 Nov 2026