Research Fellow in Laser Surface Texturing for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction

Working time: 37.5 hours per week

Contract type: Fixed term (Until 31^st March 2026 - To complete specific time limited work)

Are you a researcher looking for your first challenge? Do you have a background in computational fluid dynamics and in modelling turbulent boundary-layer behaviour? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities?

This is a short-term position to evaluate a method of engraining microscale riblet-like structures on the surface of aerospace vehicles using laser texturing. Riblets are streamwise grooves on a surface that have been shown to reduce skin friction drag in flows with turbulent boundary layers, with aerospace and marine applications. The small streamwise grooves mimic the denticles of shark skin. 

The role will use your skills in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to develop a computational modelling framework using large eddy simulation (LES). This framework will determine the effect of surface texturing on sub-boundary layer flow structures and skin friction at typical aerospace Reynolds numbers, allowing a detailed understanding of this interaction to be elucidated. You will have a background in CFD and fluid mechanics and experience in modelling turbulent boundary-layer behaviour, as well as being able to demonstrate innovative approaches to solving problems. 

This post will see you working with an industry partner who are expert in advanced manufacturing and computational mechanics modelling. You will be based in Leeds but expected to travel in the UK to work alongside this industry partner. You will also use your skills in interdisciplinary research to communicate your findings to researchers with a range of backgrounds.

The project is in collaboration with the Manufacturing Technology Centre, who are expert in advanced manufacturing and computational mechanics modelling, and you will be expected to spend approximately 100 days at their Liverpool office working with their modelling team.

This role will be based at the university of Leeds campus and there is scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Andrew Shires, Associate Professor Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

Email: A.Shires@leeds.ac.uk

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit the Government’s page, Apply for the Global Talent visa.

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