Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering

Full time starting salary:

PhD obtained: £37,897 – £45,580 per annum, with potential progression up to £52,067

PhD near completion: £29,363 – £34,332 per annum, with potential progression up to £40,180 

The Centre for Propulsion Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences is expanding its internationally renowned activities with the recruitment of a full-time Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering.

About the Role

The Icing Team conducts research on ice adhesion, ice properties, instrumentation, ice protection technologies, and the aerodynamic impact of icing, working closely with national and international aerospace and wind-turbine partners. Their activities focus on experimental testing using dedicated icing wind tunnels and a vertical droplet tunnel, supported by fundamental modelling of molecular dynamics and ice/substrate interactions.

The Research Fellow will conduct icing experiments in the Cranfield Icing Wind Tunnel, support test campaigns, manage instrumentation, process and analyse data, and disseminate findings through publications. They will also develop or apply numerical models and build an independent research profile in icing science and engineering.

About You

You should hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or a related field, with a strong publication record. The role requires solid engineering skills in aerodynamics and experimental testing, with an interest in developing a career in icing science. Clear technical communication and the ability to summarise objectives and outcomes for colleagues and partners are essential. 

Candidates must be confident independent researchers and support the Centre’s wider activities. The UK-unique icing facilities and strong industrial links provide excellent research opportunities. The position sits within the Gas Turbine Technology Group in the Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering.

Due to the nature of this role, UK Security Clearance (BPSS) will be required.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

More details on the Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering can be found here, and further details on the icing test facilities are available here.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How to apply

For an informal discussion, please contact Professor David MacManus, on (E): d.g.macmanus@cranfield.ac.uk

For further details contact peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk quoting 5232.

Closing date: 22 March 2026

www.cranfield.ac.uk

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