Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Engineering

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Department of Engineering, with a focus on advanced solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) modelling, three-dimensional combustion and engine simulation, and AI-assisted modelling approaches for hybrid marine propulsion system development incorporating a range of decarbonisation technologies.

This position is part of the EPSRC MaRes Hub and the Horizon Europe project SEASTARS, both of which aim to advance maritime sustainability through the integration of innovative emission-reduction and energy-efficiency technologies across multiple ship classes and shore power applications.

The project seeks to deliver industry-relevant modelling toolkits that enable optimal design and operation of greener vessels, backed by real-world demonstrations. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of multi-disciplinary modelling, advanced AI algorithms, and decision-support tool development. Responsibilities will include programming, analysing and interpreting data, and contributing to innovative solutions that support maritime decarbonisation. Additional duties involve supporting research funding proposals, engaging in licensing or spin-out activities, and enhancing the public and commercial impact of the research.

Key responsibilities:

To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

The post-holder is employed to work on the EPSRC and Horizon projects which will be led by Prof Dawei Wu. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.