Research Associate

About the role

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 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.

About you

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.

For informal questions about the role, please contact James Scobie at jas28@bath.ac.uk or Gary Lock at ensgdl@bath.ac.uk.

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