Research Fellow in Propulsion Systems Aerodynamics (x 2) (# of pos: 2)

School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing

Research Fellow in Propulsion Systems Aerodynamics (x 2)

Fixed Term Contract (24 to 36 months)

Full time starting salary is normally £33,809 per annum

Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire

We welcome applications for two exciting Research Fellow posts. The work undertaken in these roles will support projects in partnership with Rolls-Royce, delivering major impact through the development of innovative technologies for future aero-engine propulsion systems.

About the Roles

Each post will be contributing to research on a project as part of a team. It involves research activities within the Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering. The research will be part of the Rolls-Royce UTC in Aero Systems Design, Integration and Performance https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/centres/centre-for-propulsion-and-thermal-power-engineering/rolls-royce-utc

The first post is centred around the aerodynamic design and optimisation of installed nacelle configurations related to hydrogen powered aero-engines. The research will focus on the further development of tools for the aerodynamic design and optimisation of aero-engine nacelles to include the particular requirements for hydrogen auxiliary systems. This is a multi-disciplinary design challenge with a trade-off between the spatial requirements and ventilation of the auxiliary systems and the aerodynamic performance of the nacelle both at cruise and off-design conditions. The research will also evaluate the aerodynamic design, performance and aerodynamic loads for an aircraft installed configuration.

The second post will focus on high bypass ratio aero-engine intake and exhaust systems and the overall aim is to establish multi-disciplinary links between the acoustic requirements and the aerodynamic performance requirements. The research will integrate the propulsion unit onto a representative transonic airframe under high lift conditions and evaluate the installed exhaust performance and well as the aerodynamic characteristics to enable collaborative assessments of the acoustic signatures. The work will also investigate the effect of novel exhaust configurations on both the aerodynamic performance as well as the potential impact on the noise. Finally, the simulations of the fully integrated powerplant and airframe under high-lift operations will be used to evaluate the structural loads on the intake, nacelle and exhaust

About You

To be appointed at Research Fellow level, you will be educated to doctoral level in a relevant subject with the necessary technical knowledge and experience such as aerospace engineering and propulsion systems, compressible flow, computational fluid dynamics and programming. You will have experience in composing project deliverables, delivering effective 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 these posts 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 & 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 also committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Our equal opportunities and diversity monitoring has shown that women are currently underrepresented within the university and so we actively encourage applications from eligible female candidates. To further demonstrate our commitment to progressing gender diversity in STEM, we hold an Institutional Athena SWAN Bronze award, are members of Working Families; sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day and signatories of the Women in Defence and Women in Aerospace and Aviation Charters.

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 David MacManus, Professor of Propulsion Aerodynamics & Installations on (E): [email protected]

Apply online now . Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on (E): [email protected] . Please quote reference number 4155.

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

Closing date for receipt of applications: 17 August 2022