Research Associate

Advance Your Engineering Career Through Innovation and Impact
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 turbine 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 will 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.

The ideal candidate will have:
- 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.

Starting from £38,784, rising to £46,049, 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, including 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
Find out more about our benefits on our website and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us on X and LinkedIn.
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
Find out more about being at your best at Bath on our website.
Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship, and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.
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