| Location: | Guildford |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £37,694 to £41,064 per annum |
| Hours: | Full Time |
| Contract Type: | Fixed-Term/Contract |
| Placed On: | 3rd February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Closes: | 3rd March 2026 |
| Job Ref: | 004526 |
The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.
We have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.
Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to make a real difference.
The role
The Fire and Explosion Modelling Group (FEMG) at University of Surrey is seeking a Research Fellow to work on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of accidental releases of liquid hydrogen and ammonia using OpenFOAM.
The first part of the post is funded by international energy companies. It involves CFD simulations of accidental releases of cryogenic liquid hydrogen, focusing on the evaporation and subsequent atmospheric dispersion as well as the consequence of potential ignition of the resulting cloud. The in-house modified OpenFOAM code will be used. Some further development may be required to facilitate the study.
The ammonia part of the post is funded by the UK Research and Innovation through the UK-HyRES (Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels Research) Hub flexible scheme. You will use the in-house modified OpenFOAM to simulate the atmospheric dispersion of ammonia following accidental releases, considering the exothermic chemical reactions between ammonia and water as well as the aerosol characteristics of ammonia cloud.
The project will involve collaboration with industry and existing researchers. As part of a joint industry project as well as UK-HyRES Hub, you will benefit from the networking opportunities. It is also possible to work across FEMG’s other projects like CFD modelling of gaseous hydrogen fires and explosions.
About you
We are interested to hear from researchers with PhD in a relevant discipline (although candidates who have almost completed a doctoral degree may be appointed). Experience in CFD simulations using OpenFOAM will be essential. Experience in OpenFOAM code modification is desirable.
This is a full-time position available until 31/07/2027 to start as soon as possible.
How to apply
Please submit your CV via our website. You will also be asked to answer some brief questions to help us assess your suitability for the role. Interviews will take place soon after the advertisement has closed.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Prof. Jennifer Wen (FREng); j.wen@surrey.ac.uk. Information about research activities at FMEG can be found here: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/fire-and-explosion-modelling-group
Further details
For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button above.
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.
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