Postdoctoral Research Associate in Aerospace Engineering: UAV or Sports Aerodynamics

TN United Kingdom; Scotland; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Aerospace Engineering: UAV or Sports Aerodynamics, Midlothian

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Location:

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Job vacancies

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Yes

Job Reference:

bda7fc088cd6

Job Views:

23

Posted:

22.03.2025

Expiry Date:

06.05.2025

Job Description:

Postdoctoral Researcher in UAV or Sports Aerodynamics

Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (3 Years)

Detailed Description

We are seeking to appoint one outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher with a passion for computational modelling and experimental validation in aerodynamics with aspirations of an academic career. The position will be aligned with advancing research in the new research group of Aerospace Engineering at Heriot-Watt University. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Bert Blocken.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (specialisation Fluid Mechanics), Civil Engineering (specialisation Fluid Mechanics) or the like. Proven excellent expertise in CFD modelling is a strict requirement; additional expertise in wind tunnel testing and integrating Artificial Intelligence in aerodynamics is a plus.

The selected candidate should ideally have familiarity with and will work on one or several of the following topics:

• Autonomous flight systems, with focus on pushing the boundaries for unmanned aerial vehicles
• Sports aerodynamics, with focus on pushing the boundaries in cycling and athletics

In these topics, a large focus will be placed on CFD modelling, wind tunnel tests in the new-to-be-built large wind tunnel of Heriot-Watt University (inauguration expected in 2025) and on-site testing. Integration of Artificial Intelligence in these topics will be expected.

Applicants are expected to have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to write refereed journal articles and present work at scientific/engineering conferences.

This full-time position is based in the Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot Watt University. It is funded for up to 3 years in the first instance. If the Postdoctoral Researcher can demonstrate strong research output and the ability to generate sufficient financial income, the position might transition into a permanent appointment as full member of the university’s academic staff (nominally Assistant Professor in the first instance). This will be dependent on achieving clear goals that will be set at the start of the appointment period in consultation with the corresponding Head of Research Institute and approved by Executive Dean.

While the post is primarily research-focused, teaching experience is an important part of a post-holder’s professional development in order to transition into a member of the Academic Staff. Accordingly, an appropriate contribution in support of teaching in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences will be expected.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage projects in terms of the simulation methodology that is most applicable, running simulations and curating the data.
• Provide input for wind tunnel design and testing and using output for high-quality CFD validation.
• Be an innovator, by developing and expanding the research project over time, and presenting novel ideas.
• Collaborate in and/or lead in the preparation of scientific peer-reviewed articles and present papers, posters and talks.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on CFD simulation techniques and wind tunnel testing.
• Represent the research group, Aerospace Engineering and Heriot-Watt University at meetings and conferences, either with other members of the group or alone.
• Mentor junior members of the group (PhD students or undergraduate project research students).
• Optional: Develop research proposals including for an Independent Fellowship

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Education, Qualification and Experience

The candidate will:

• Hold a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (specialisation Fluid Mechanics), Civil Engineering (specialisation Fluid Mechanics) or a related field.
• Be able to demonstrate competence and success as achieved in the PhD research (and postdoctoral work if appropriate), e.g. as judged by publications in high quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Be able to articulate a clear vision for development of their independent research activity.
• Demonstrate experience and regular use of/contribution to Ansys CFD, OpenFOAM or a similar CFD code.
• Possess excellent communication skills, including the ability to lead the writing of journal articles, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.
• Show an ability to work supportively with other academicians and with technical staff in a laboratory environment, and to supervise and mentor junior co-workers.
• Have proven HPC skills.
• Familiarity with active and unique contributions to OpenFOAM, Ansys CFD, or the like.
• Familiarity with advanced computer programming.
• Experience in machine learning methods.

About our Team

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (EPS) was created in August 2002. We are a community of over 340 staff and around 3,000 students across our three campuses in Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia. The School is recognised as an international leader in education, research and the application of knowledge to benefit society globally, committed to excellence with a purpose.

Our research ranges from fundamental sciences through to engineering applications, all of which are supported by strong external funding. We have over 150 full-time academic staff who drive this research activity and are based in 5 research institutes.

We provide world-class education to our students across six undergraduate programmes and will soon add Aerospace Engineering to our undergraduate programme portfolio. We also offer a range of postgraduate taught programmes.

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Created on 22/03/2025 by TN United Kingdom