Location: Hybrid with regular presence at South Kensington Campus, London
About the role:
The National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF) is a cutting-edge UK-wide initiative spanning 23 wind tunnels across 12 universities, enabling world-class aerodynamic research for academia and industry. Based at Imperial College London, the NWTF hub drives innovation in energy, transport, and the built environment—helping shape the future of mobility and clean growth.
We’re looking for a strategic, technically minded Project Manager to lead flagship NWTF projects that sit at the intersection of science, industry, and policy. You’ll be the engine behind high-impact collaborations, ensuring projects run smoothly, partnerships thrive, and research outcomes make waves nationally and internationally.
This is a unique opportunity to work with top-tier academic researchers, government bodies, and industry leaders—bringing together brilliant minds to solve real-world aerodynamic challenges.
What will you be doing:
Please see the job description for a full list of selection criteria which includes:
- Utilising wind tunnel knowledge to lead the development, management and reporting of high-profile NWTF projects in collaboration with UK and international industry partners and research institutions across the UK.
- Lead the technical development of new research activities and proposals, coordinating input from academic, industry and agency partners.
- Monitor and report on grant expenditure, working closely with finance teams to ensure compliance with UKRI, EPSRC, and institutional requirements.
- Support business development activities, acting as the first point of contact for external enquiries and facilitating partnerships with industry.
- Manage contracts and agreements, including NDAs and service contracts, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and timely renewals.
- Organise stakeholder meetings and events, collaborating with the NWTF Events Coordinator to foster engagement and knowledge exchange.
- Contribute to strategic planning, advising NWTF leadership and boards on research outcomes and future opportunities.
What we’re looking for:
- A degree in engineering or physical sciences (PhD in experimental aerodynamics is a plus)
- Familiarity with wind tunnel testing, fluid dynamics, and research infrastructure
- Experience in project management or coordination, ideally within a research or technical environment
- Strong organisational, financial, and time management skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
- Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel, Asana)
- Experience working with UKRI, EPSRC, or similar funding bodies is desirable
What we can offer you:
You will work in a rich and diverse professional culture at the cutting edge of science and technology
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity
- Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)
- Get access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme
- Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further Information
If you require any further details on the role please contact:
Professor Jonathan Morrison at j.morrison@imperial.ac.uk or
Claire Mc Namara at c.mc-namara@imperial.ac.uk
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.