Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering

Overview

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. The team works closely with national and international industrial partners in the aerospace and wind turbine sectors. A key aspect is experimental work with dedicated icing wind tunnel facilities and a vertical droplet tunnel.

The team conducts research in 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, including assisting with tunnel and model instrumentation, data post-processing, analysis and management for experimental projects conducted in the Icing Wind Tunnel.

The role also involves dissemination of research through publication in high-quality journals and leading conferences. If possible, the successful candidate will 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.

• Conduct icing experiments in the Cranfield Icing Wind Tunnel (IWT) facilities and provide support on experimental test campaigns.
• Assist with tunnel and model instrumentation, data post-processing, analysis and management for experimental projects conducted in the Icing Wind Tunnel.
• Disseminate research through publication in high-quality journals and presenting at leading conferences.
• Develop or adopt numerical simulation models and methods pertinent to icing science and engineering; develop an individual research strategy and profile in icing science and engineering.

• 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.
• A desire to develop a career in icing science, or experience with icing, would be considered beneficial.
• Ability to communicate clearly at a technical level, and the capability to summarise objectives and achievements for briefing colleagues and project partners.

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 conducted in the Centre.

Overall, the icing test facilities and industrial relationships are unique within the UK and offer opportunities 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.

The Centre for Propulsion Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences is expanding its internationally renowned activities with the recruitment of a full-time Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering. Cranfield University highlights its world-class facilities and industry partnerships.

The Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering is around 80 staff strong and is one of the largest research and education activities within the University, spanning land, offshore, marine, air and space power and propulsion applications. It integrates taught and short-course education with research, including the internationally recognised Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc course. The Centre encompasses topics such as gas turbine performance modelling, propulsion aerodynamics, icing, combustion, computational fluid dynamics, advanced instrumentation, turbo machinery and thermal management.

It also hosts the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre for Aero System Design, Integration & Performance, reflecting the Centre’s global visibility and industry links.

More details on the Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering and the icing test facilities can be found in related pages.

Our values and commitments define who we are and guide our work:
Ambition;
Impact;
Respect; and Community. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to flexible working where possible and have been recognised as a family-friendly employer. We are also committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working.

Working Arrangements:
Collaborative and flexible working is integral to our approach. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides opportunities to flexibly combine on-site and remote working where job roles allow, balancing the needs of staff, students, clients and partners.