Postdoctoral Research Associate

Salary Details
The starting salary will be from £34,610 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.

The above full-time post is available from 2 February 2026 to 2 August 2027 on a fixed-term basis in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

The post
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of the University’s pioneering industry collaboration with South West Water, the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW) available from 2 February 2026 to 2 August 2027. The successful applicant will work on the collaborative project “Developing a water tank cleaning system using a non-invasive ultrasonic cleaning submarine”.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in flexible start/end times and compressed hours arrangements.

The post will include:

• Conducting research into ultrasonic cleaning mechanisms, including cavitation modelling and optimisation for concrete surfaces.
• Developing simulation models (e.g. COMSOL, ABAQUS, ANSYS) for acoustic field prediction and performance evaluation.
• Designing, prototyping, and integrating an AI-integrated ultrasonic cleaning system into a small-scale remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
• Undertaking laboratory testing and field trials, analysing results to assess cleaning effectiveness, efficiency, and safety.
• Collaborating with academic and industrial partners to ensure project milestones are achieved on time.
• Preparing high-quality technical documentation, academic papers, and reports for both internal and external dissemination.
• Presenting research findings at meetings, workshops, and international conferences.
• Contributing to the supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate research students where appropriate.
• Supporting the project’s innovation, impact, and commercialisation pathways under the CREWW framework.

About you
The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will ideally have knowledge of ultrasonic transducers, acoustic cavitation, high-frequency system design, robotic manipulation, AI-integrated control system and remotely operated vehicles (ROV).

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role, by clicking on the 'Apply' button.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research.
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly.
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development.
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career.
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy.
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

Further information
For further information please contact Dr Dong Wang, e-mail d.wang2@exeter.ac.uk.

The closing date for completed applications is Sunday, 4^th January 2025 at midnight. Interviews are expected to take place shortly after the closing date.

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