Research Assistant/Associate in Compressor Aerodynamics (Fixed Term)

Location: West Cambridge

A position exists, for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on compressor aerodynamics. 

You would develop key technologies and designs at the Whittle Laboratory to help enable the next generation of axial compressors required by Rolls-Royce UltraFan engines for both wide and narrow body aircraft. 

There are two specific challenges: 

First, the Rolls-Royce UltraFan has completely changed the architecture of the compression system. This has opened the design space and means that new technologies that can improve performance and reduce fuel burn become viable. You would lead the experimental campaigns on the rapid test facilities that have been built over the last 8 years at the Whittle Laboratory. 

Second, engines do not stay pristine for long; real geometric features such as roughness or damage affect the flow in a three-dimensional way that is difficult or impossible to assess with simulation. Rapid experiment is again the solution to determine the key phenomena and how they affect real engines on the wing. 

The key responsibilities and duties are: 

• Experimentally investigate new and deteriorated axial compressor designs
• Design and commissioning of experimental hardware
• Running and processing concept geometries
• Comparison with CFD or other low-order design methods
• Determining underlying three-dimensional flow mechanisms
• Writing research publications and attending conferences
• Writing project reports and attending meetings with project partners

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are:

• Knowledge in turbomachinery aerodynamics
• Expertise in experimental testing in wind tunnels or rotating rigs
• Experience of managing own work load and working with initiative
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience of CFD simulations in turbomachinery
• Experience of working with industry

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience). Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges:

Research Assistant: GBP 33,002 - GBP 35,608

Research Associate: GBP 37,694 - GBP 46,049

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2028 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above. 

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publication list in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date. 

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact James Taylor (jvt24@cam.ac.uk) for queries of a technical nature related to the role and Juliet Teather (jet63@cam.ac.uk) for queries related to the application process.

Please quote reference NM48690 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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