Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Location: The Oxford Thermofluids Institute, Southwell Building, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES 

About the role

Catalysis is central to many industrial and energy-transition processes, but integrating catalytic systems efficiently remains challenging. This project aims to optimise the design of catalytic turbomachines—compact devices that combine chemical reaction and flow functions—using a novel machine-learning-based method, ChemZIP, to accelerate the modelling of complex catalytic and gas-phase reactions. The work will extend ChemZIP to handle catalytic chemistry, develop a reduced-order 1D network model linking reaction and pressure-drop effects, and use it to optimise catalytic structures within turbomachinery for improved efficiency and compactness. This position would suit a researcher with a strong background in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and an interest in Chemistry modelling and Machine learning. In addition to these core responsibilities the post holder will collaborate with other group members, will help to identify new research opportunities in the researched field.

About you

You should possess a relevant PhD in Turbomachinery (or Chemistry and) Computational Fluid Dynamics, a strong multi-physics modelling background in Machine learning, a strong record of publications, proven competence in programming (Fortran, Python), and evidence of working well as part of a multidisciplinary research team. You must possess the organisational skills and initiative to conduct independent research, be able to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team and have the written and verbal skills necessary to present scientific ideas clearly.

What we offer

At the university of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a number of generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges.

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two academic references.

The position is a full-time post available until 01 June 2026. 

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Thursday 04 December 2025.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Budimir Rosic: budimir.rosic@eng.ox.ac.uk  

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. The Department is committed to equality and valuing diversity and holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality in academia. The University is a Living Wage Employer, holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, an HR Excellence in Research and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we seek to create a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through our EDI Committee, working groups and networks, for example eng.ox.ac.uk/women-in-engineering, as well as a number of family friendly policies.

Contact Person: Prof Budimir Rosic      

Closing Date & Time: 04-Dec-2025

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7  

Contact Email: budimir.rosic@eng.ox.ac.uk

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