Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering

Offer Description

Organisation: Cranfield University

Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire

Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: Full time starting salary, if PhD obtained, is normally in the range of £37,897 to £45,580 per annum, with potential progression up to £52,067 per annum;
If PhD is close to completion, full time starting salary is normally in the range of £29,363 to £34,332 per annum, with potential progression up to £40,180 per annum

Apply by: 22/03/2026

The Centre for Propulsion Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences is looking to expand its internationally renowned activities with the recruitment of a full-time Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering.

Within the Centre, the Icing Team undertakes a wide range of activities, including research in ice adhesion, ice properties, instrumentation, as well as ice protection technologies and the impact of ice on aerodynamic components. In addition, the team works closely with a substantial number of national and international industrial partners in the aerospace and wind turbine sector. A key aspect of the activity is focused on experimental work with dedicated icing wind tunnel facilities, as well as a vertical droplet tunnel.

The team also undertakes research in the area of fundamental modelling with molecular dynamic and ice/substrate interface bonding analysis.

The main aspects of the Research Fellow role include conducting icing experiments in the Cranfield Icing Wind Tunnel (IWT) facilities and providing support on experimental test campaigns. This will include assisting with tunnel and model instrumentation, data post-processing, analysis and management for experimental projects conducted in the Icing Wind Tunnel. The role will also include the dissemination of research through publication in high-quality journals and leading conferences.

The successful candidate will, if possible, develop or adopt numerical simulation models and methods pertinent to icing science and engineering, and develop an individual research strategy and profile in icing science and engineering.

You will hold a PhD (or close to completion) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related subject, with a record of publishing in high-quality journals. Good skills in engineering, with a focus on aerodynamics, along with experimental testing capabilities, are required for this role. A desire to develop a career in icing science, or experience with icing experience, would be considered beneficial.

The ability to communicate clearly at a technical level, and the capability to clearly summarise objectives and achievements for briefing colleagues and project partners, is also essential.

Candidates are expected to be confident independent researchers, educated at a PhD level (or close to completion). The successful candidate is also expected to assist with the general programme of work that is conducted in the Centre.

Overall, the icing test facilities and industrial relationships are unique within the UK and offer a fantastic opportunity for research and development across a wide range of technology readiness levels. The position is within the Gas Turbine Technology Group within the Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering.

Due to the nature of this role, you will be required to obtain UK Security Clearance (BPSS).

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

The Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering is around 80 staff strong (including visiting academics), and one of the largest research and education activities within the University. The activity spans across land, offshore, marine, air and space power and propulsion applications. Our activity is…