Research Fellow in Fuel Cell Instrumentation - HEIGHTS

Fixed Term until 30th September 2027, Full Time

Our Mission

Coventry University is a global Education Group that empowers students and communities to transform their lives and society through teaching, learning, research, and enterprise.

An ambitious and innovative university, our research is designed to have real-world impact on society and tackle global challenges through our 18 challenge-led, interdisciplinary research centres. We enable high performing research teams and future research leaders to thrive and make an impact locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.

Coventry University’s Centre for E-Mobility and Clean Growth is seeking a highly-motivated Research Fellow to work as part of a team delivering an exciting, industrial collaborative research project with multiple UK partners, focused on developing zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems for aerospace applications.  

The Role

As Research Fellow within the Centre for E-Mobility and Clean Growth you will undertake and play a lead role in the delivery of impactful research. Developing and identifying new research objectives, proposals, and impact activities for your own or joint research, while contributing to REF impact rated nationally/internationally excellent.

We seek an experienced postdoctoral researcher to support the HEIGHTS project, led by industrial partner Intelligent Energy.  This exciting project aims to accelerate development of Intelligent Energy’s next-generation fuel cell systems for aerospace propulsion applications, by developing new approaches to stack instrumentation and diagnostics based on in-situ sensing and wire-free communications.

Under the line management supervision and guidance of Dr Joe Fleming, and in close collaboration with the lead partner, you will contribute to research activity, prepare reports and deliverables within the project.

Particular contribution will be required on:

• Design and prototyping of radio frequency hardware for powerline communication applications
• Design of PCB assemblies incorporating sensors for integration with fuel cell stacks
• Design and implementation of RF communication protocols
• Microcontroller-based embedded software development
• Ex-situ and in-situ testing of prototype hardware in/with hydrogen fuel cells and short stacks
• Supporting project meetings and dissemination activities.

In addition, you will gain valuable exposure to the Centre’s research, including the preparation of project proposals with support from your line manager. 

Qualifications Required

You should have or be near obtaining a PhD or able to demonstrate equivalent experience related to radio frequency/powerline communications, PCB design and electronic prototyping. 

Our Successful Candidate

A highly-motivated and experienced Research Fellow with demonstrable expert knowledge and understanding of RF/powerline communications technologies, including experience contributing to innovation and development of the field.  An advanced knowledge of research methods and techniques with demonstratable adherence to all regulations, you will have the ability to develop research objectives, projects, and proposals for your own and joint research.

Demonstrable track-record in the delivery of industrial collaborative research projects and generation of high-quality publications in high-profile, peer-reviewed journals along with presentations at national/international events. You will be committed to working collaboratively on research development, delivery and dissemination including interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary research, public engagement, and knowledge exchange. Prior experience or demonstrable expertise in hydrogen fuel cell testing would be advantageous.

The Benefits

As a staff member of Coventry University, you will have access to a wide range of industry leading rewards and benefits which includes:

• Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
• 38 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
• Life Assurance 4x Salary
• BUPA Cash Plan
• 50% off Tuition Fee’s for staff dependants
• CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers
• Cycle To Work scheme

Our Culture

As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.

Closing date: Tuesday 21 October 2025.