Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Ice Deposition

Location: The Department of Engineering Science, The Oxford Thermofluids Institute, Southwell Building, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES

About the role

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the Oxford Particles Research Group at the Department of Engineering Science (based at the Osney Thermofluids Institute). The position is initially fixed term for 36 months, working on modelling aircraft engine icing and analysing experimental test results in collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc.

In this post you will work to generate high fidelity models of ice crystal icing shedding, verifying tools using a wealth of unique experimental validation data generated by researchers at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute and Rolls-Royce plc. This is a multi-physics problem spanning multi-phase fluid dynamics, heat transfer, solid mechanics and materials. The tools will be applied to real turbomachinery components and subsystems.

You will work closely with collaborators from Rolls-Royce plc and the OTI.

About you

You should possess a university PhD degree in mechanical engineering or a similar discipline, preferably with experience of mixed phase numerical or analytical flow modelling / solid mechanics / material characterization. Experience of analysing experimental data is highly desirable. You should have a record of academic publications in the field and be able to work well within a large team of experienced researchers.

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, fixed-term post available for 36 months with possibility of extension.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 18 September 2026. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. David Gillespie: david.gillespie@eng.ox.ac.uk or Dr. Natan Zawadzki natan.zawadzki@eng.ox.ac.uk

Further information can be found at http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/jobs/home

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.

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