Research Assistant or Research Fellow in Novel Aircraft Systems Design

Organisation

Cranfield University

School/Department

School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing

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

3 Years

Salary

Reseach Assistant: Starting salary is normally £25,110 per annum or Research Fellow: Starting salary is normally £33,809 per annum

We welcome applications for this exciting new post from those with relevant knowledge and experience in the development of physics-based (low-fidelity/fast) models for evaluating aircraft configurations (with low/zero emissions) at systems of interest level.

About the Role

This post will be contributing to research on a project as part of a large team.  It involves research activities such as development of physics-based models for evaluating novel aircraft configurations. These models will be used for exploration of concept/technology space with novel airframe configurations (High Aspect Ratio, Strut-Braced, Folding Wing Tip, Boundary Layer Ingestion, etc.) and propulsions architectures (series, parallel hybrid-electric, turboelectric, etc. with kerosene/hydrogen fuel).

About You

To be appointed at Research Fellow level, you will be educated to doctoral level with a PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Computational Engineering (or very close to completion).  Alternatively, you will have a relevant Masters in order to be appointed at Research Assistant level. You will have experience in low-fidelity physics-based analysis methods for aircraft disciplines, i.e., aerodynamics and structures, aircraft mission performance analysis for novel propulsion architectures (electric/hybrid-electric, etc.) and knowledge of aircraft preliminary design.  You will enjoy composing project deliverables and giving presentations, and be able to assist in project integration workshops and other meetings.  With excellent communication skills, you will also be a good team player, and have the ability to cope with pressure. Project planning is also an important skill for this post along with the ability to demonstrate self-motivation, perseverance, and initiative.

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 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. Find out about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here . We are currently piloting hybrid working arrangements until April 2022.  This means the majority of our staff are spending between 40% and 60% of their time working from the office where job roles allow.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Atif Riaz, on (E): a.riaz@cranfield.ac.uk