Research Fellow in Energy Fluid Dynamics
Posted: 16/10/2025 | Apply by: 16/11/2025
Organisation: Cranfield University
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Location: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday (flexible working considered)
Contract: Fixed term, 24 months
Salary: Full time starting salary (PhD obtained) £37,337 per annum; (PhD close to completion) £34,450 per annum
Documents
* 5137 - JD & Person Spec.pdf (PDF, 362.8 kb)
About The Role
You will be working with international partners to develop a decentralised waste‑to‑energy plasma unit capable of producing synthesis gas for electricity and heat. The innovation builds upon original research and integrates multiple stages (plasma gasification, slag recovery, energy conversion) in one compact cycle, offering advantages over traditional incineration and large‑scale plasma plants.
Based at Cranfield University, the role involves developing suitable CFD models to study the behaviour of plasma and waste flow, and suggest designs based on parametric sensitivity analysis. Results will be integrated into system upgrades.
About You
PhD in Computational Fluid Dynamics (or close to completion) with relevant experience in chemical engineering, heat transfer, combustion for plasma gasification. Proficiency with commercial CFD codes such as ANSYS Fluent or StarCCM+. Significant expertise in creating CAD models. Excellent communication skills. Experience using HPC systems, scripting and UDF writing advantageous.
About Us
As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world‑class expertise, large‑scale facilities and unrivaled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally.
Our Automotive, Energy & Photonics Theme research strategy spans widely across the energy sectors and has a global reputation for research in engineering and management of Energy.
Our Values and Commitments
We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options and have been ranked in the Top 30 family‑friendly employers in the UK.
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.
How To Apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Patrick Verdin, Reader in Energy Fluid Dynamics, on e: p.verdin@cranfield.ac.uk. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on e: peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5137.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 16 November 2025. We reserve the right to close this advert before the stated closing date if we receive sufficient numbers of applications.
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