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Research Associate

Division of Computing, Engineering & Mathematical Science

Location:  Canterbury
Salary:  £38,205 to £42,978 per annum
Grade:  Grade 7
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 12 Months
Release Date:  Monday 29 July 2024
Closing Date:  23.59 hours BST on Monday 26 August 2024  (unless otherwise stated)
Interview Date:  Monday 30 September 2024
Reference:  CEMS-269-24

Are you a scientific researcher, with a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Mechanical, Chemical/Material Engineering? Do you have experience in writing and publishing high quality academic publications and knowledge of undertaking scientific research and analysis? 

If so this full-time, fixed term role as Research Associate, may be ideal.

We seek a talented and motivated postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Mechanical Team, School of Engineering at the University of Kent for fixed term project work. This project is funded by an Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme “AFCAD (Advanced Fuel Cells for Aviation Decarbonization)” No.10097017, led by industrial partner ZeroAvia. 

The result of the work could significantly enhance the specific power and lifespan of upcoming hydrogen energy systems designed for larger and long-range aircraft. This is a great opportunity for individuals to develop expertise in the advanced heat and mass transfer, thermal management techniques and fuel cell stack design and integration.

The role will require a strong motivation to manage the research progress but will also be guided by progress meetings with the main supervisor, Dr Bo Li as well as the Co-supervisor, Dr Chao Wang. The Research Associate is expected to work closely with industrial partners and have strong communication skills. The post holder must have a problem - solving approach to meeting the overall project deliverables and will be expected to devise work leading to the drafting and eventual submission of manuscripts to highly regarded academic journals.

As a Research Associate you will:

  • Undertake autonomous research on the project, liaising and consulting regularly with the PI, project partners and stakeholders
  • Produce high quality, publishable research relevant to the project objectives
  • Prepare regular progress reports for presentation to the project management team
  • Contribute to the intellectual development of the project
  • Help and advise postgraduate students and undergraduate students with cognate research projects at the request of the principal investigator

To be successful in this role you will have:

  • PhD/equivalent and/or equivalent experience in Electronic Engineering with Mechanical, Chemical or Material Engineering with thermal science experience
  • Experience in Mutliscale, Multiphysics simulation
  • Experience in complex thermos-mechanical modelling, i.e., numerical simulation for heat and mass transfer
  • Experience in drafting, editing and submitting research articles as main author 
  • Excellent team working, self-management and organisational skills 

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. If you require further information regarding the application process, please contact the People Services Team on peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting ref number CEMS-269-24


We particularly welcome applications from female and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented at this level in this area
Further details:    Job Description     Additional Information    
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Please note that we prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and promotes equality at all levels.