Research Associate in Superconducting Aircraft Propulsion Motors

Full Time: 35 hours per week 

Fixed term: up to 24 months

The Opportunity:

Develop the future of sustainable aviation

Where curiosity becomes impact

With roles from hospitality to research, there’s a career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. We can offer opportunities for you to develop in your career and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-leading research-intensive university (QS ranking top 35), committed to excellence, innovation and making a positive contribution to society. As part of our diverse and inclusive community, you will work with colleagues at the SuperMachine Group and the Superconducting Electrical Futures (SEF) Lab in the School of Engineering, who share a passion for addressing global net zero challenges through superconducting technologies

The School of Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Superconducting Aircraft Propulsion Motors to join a €5m Horizon Europe consortium project led by Dr Hongye Zhang at the University of Edinburgh. This 24-month, full-time role will contribute to the development of superconducting motor windings for fully electric, hydrogen fuel-cell-powered aircraft.

You will undertake research involving the multiphysics modelling, design, testing and evaluation of superconducting propulsion motor technologies. You will work closely with Dr Hongye Zhang and EU/UK academic/industrial partners across the project consortium, contributing to project milestones, technical reports, publications and presentations.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a PhD, or equivalent experience, in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, thermal engineering, aerospace engineering, physics or a related discipline. You should have strong analytical and research skills, together with knowledge or experience relevant to electric machines, applied superconductivity, or aerospace technologies. Experience with electro-mechanical-thermal modelling, cryogenic systems, superconducting materials, motor windings or hydrogen-electric propulsion would be advantageous.

The role offers an opportunity to contribute to internationally significant research addressing the transition to cleaner aviation. Occasional travel to consortium meetings, conferences or partner facilities may be required. Laboratory work may involve cryogenic liquids, including liquid nitrogen, and will be supported by appropriate training and risk assessments.

We encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences who can contribute to our values of excellence, integrity, inclusion, relevance and ambition. Apply now to join the project team and help develop innovative propulsion technologies for the future of sustainable aviation.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle, including: 

• A competitive pension scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Staff discounts and a wide range of health and wellbeing support
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Family-friendly and inclusive policies
• Employee networks and support for a diverse and welcoming community

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