Research Associate – System Integration

Advert

Research Associate – System Integration
Cardiff School of Engineering

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary research group within Cardiff University School of Engineering. You will conduct research in system modelling and system integration for a hybrid electric propulsion system development project - DragonFLY. The DragonFLY is a novel hybrid electric aircraft development programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and seven industrial partners.
You will also contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carry out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research as well as pursue excellence in research and inspire others to do the same.

This post is full time, available immediately and is fixed term until 31 October 2022.

Salary: £34,304 - £40,927 per annum (Grade 6)

Location of work: Cardiff University School of Engineering and the Aerospace Propulsion Laboratory at St Athan.

Job ref: 12500BR

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr Rukshan Navaratne ([email protected] )

For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Mrs Gaynor James ([email protected] )

Date advert posted: Friday, 1 October 2021

Closing date: Friday, 29 October 2021

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only.  We now invite external applications.

Please NOTE: Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities.

“Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”

Job Description

• To conduct research within hardware building and system integration of electrical and hybrid electric propulsion systems and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. 
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

• Design and implementation of electrical network architectures for current and next generation high performance electrical and hybrid air vehicles.
• Engineering, development, and integration of electrical systems into the overall hybrid electric system architecture in conjunction with the system owners and technical partners.
• Support of testing activities for software and hardware interfaces.
• Component, sub-system and system level testing on rigs and test aircraft.
• Fault identification and resolution, including management of issues to closure.
• Preparation of status reports for both internal and external distribution.
• Support for vehicle build and vehicle testing.
• Support quality control and quality assurance for system certification.

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

An established expertise and proven portfolio of research or relevant industrial experience in system integration and performance testing of complete electric and hybrid electric propulsion systems

 

Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field

 

Proven ability to publish in international journals and conferences

 

Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working

Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

 

Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other

Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

 

Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

Relevant professional qualifications and institution memberships 

Evidence of collaboratons with industry.

12. A full driving licence with access to a vehicle as there is an expectation that you will be able to travel frequently between Cardiff University School of Engineering and Cardiff University Aerospace Propulsion Laboratory at St Athan Airport.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 12500BR.  

Job Category

Academic - Research