Research and Innovation Associate

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

About the role

The post-holder will engage in advanced study and academic research, and will contribute to the teaching, research, and academic administration of the Department. The immediate role for the successful applicant will be supporting:

1. Lead the day-to-day business of an EPSRC funded UK Hypersonic Sounding Rocket Experiment Network. The successful applicant will organise multi-institution meetings, events, and will participate in technical discussions within special interest groups. The role includes multi-stakeholder organisation, and communication to the public. The successful applicant will work closely with multiple academics, and administrative and technical support staff.
   
   
2. Support the research environment within the Hypersonic research group, particularly with the Professor McGilvray’s research interests. This will involve leading, devising, coordinating and supervising research projects in this area, including the work involved in the collaborations with project partners, guidance to researchers and students, and winning further funding to underpin the research. The post-holder will also be involved in the administrative activities of the Group.
   
   
3. Undertake dedicated experimental research in hypersonics. This will include hydrogen combustion, non-equilibrium thermochemistry/radiation, heat flux augmentation from roughness and blowing, boundary layer transition and diagnostic development.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator Prof Matthew McGilvray, the post holder is a member of the hypersonics research group.

About you

Reporting to the Principal Investigator Prof Matthew McGilvray, the post holder is a member of the hypersonics research group. Professor McGilvray heads the UK Centre of Excellence in Hypersonics Science and Technology and was awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering/MoD Research Chair in Hypersonic vehicles. He has led the development of multiple large scale hypersonic wind tunnels, including the Oxford High Density Tunnel and the Oxford T6 Stalker Tunnel, as part of the UK’s National Wind Tunnel Facility. His research focus spans hypersonic vehicle aerodynamics, heating and propulsion technology.

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 2 Year fixed term post

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 09 October 2026

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Matthew McGilvray: matthew.mcgilvray@eng.ox.ac.uk

Further information can be found by clicking the 'Apply' button above. 

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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