Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire

Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.

Contract type: Fixed term contract

Fixed Term Period: until 31 December 2026

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £28,929 to £32,039 per annum

Apply by: 20/04/2025

Role Description

We welcome applications for an exciting Research Assistant post to support projects in partnership with Rolls-Royce, delivering major impact in sustainable aviation through the development of innovative technologies for future aero-engine propulsion systems.

About the Role

The post holder will be contributing to research on a project supporting the move of aviation towards zero emissions, as part of a team within the Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering and specifically the Rolls-Royce UTC in Aero Systems Design, Integration and Performance. The researcher will be responsible for modelling and assessment of advanced propulsion systems for aviation, focusing on design space exploration for different energy carriers and sources and integration of propulsion system and aircraft.

About You

To be appointed at Research Assistant level, you will be educated to MEng or MSc level in a relevant subject with the necessary technical knowledge and experience such as thermodynamics and power and propulsion systems, heat and mass transfer, and programming. Knowledge of gas turbine simulation tools is a requirement for this position. You will have experience in composing project deliverables, delivering effective presentations, and be able to assist in project integration workshops and other meetings.  With good communication skills, you will also be a good team player, and have the ability to cope with pressure. Self-motivation, perseverance, and initiative are important skills for this post.

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.

Aerospace is at the heart of Cranfield’s global research airport and is renowned throughout the world for its teaching and research in the fields of aviation and aerospace.  Cranfield Aerospace’s six centres are the powerhouses of our world class research, driving technological and conceptual advances in aeronautics, propulsion & thermal power engineering, cyber-physical systems and intelligent automation. Through the strong links with industry built over the past 70 years, we focus on defining and delivering the aircraft, airport and airspace management of the future and are the only university in Europe with our own airport and runway. Cranfield Aerospace is internationally recognised as the first choice for research and education in all aspects of aerospace including aircraft, drones, urban air mobility and space.  Find out more about our work here About Aerospace.                                                                                                 

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 about this opportunity, please contact Dr Ioannis Roumeliotis, Head of Gas Turbine Engineering Group, on (E): i.roumeliotis@cranfield.ac.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: hrrecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5049.

As part of this role you may be required to obtain UK Security Clearance.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 20 April 2025

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.