Job Description

Location: Aston University Main Campus
Salary: 42,254 to 46,049 per annum
Grade: Grade 08
Contract Type: Fixed Term (24 months)
Basis: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Thursday 25 December 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 1071-25
Release Date: Tuesday 09 December 2025
Aston University is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the technical delivery of the AeroVault Project, an Innovate UK-funded programme developing an advanced adiabatic compressed-air energy storage (A-CAES) system for resilient, low-carbon power provision. The role will focus on integrating multi-stage phase-change material (PCM) thermal storage with a high-efficiency rotary-piston expander, supporting prototype development and system-performance validation in collaboration with UK and Ukrainian partners.
The successful candidate will conduct high-quality research across thermal-energy storage, heat-transfer systems, and control engineering. This includes CFD/FEA modelling using tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL or OpenFOAM, laboratory experimentation for PCM characterisation and heat-transfer measurements, and development of model-predictive control algorithms for dynamic charge-discharge operation. The postholder will support prototype fabrication, instrumentation, commissioning, and performance analysis, ensuring research outputs align with project milestones and Innovate UK requirements.
Applicants must hold a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, Thermal Sciences, or a closely related discipline. Essential experience includes numerical modelling of thermal or fluid systems, experimental design and data acquisition, and a strong track record of high-quality publications. Applicants should demonstrate excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, together with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
Desirable experience includes research in PCM thermal storage, CAES technologies, model-predictive control, prototype development, and involvement in Innovate UK/UKRI/EU-funded collaborative projects. Eligibility for or progress toward Chartered Engineer status is also advantageous.
This role provides an excellent opportunity to join Aston's Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) and contribute to a high-impact research programme supporting the development of next-generation low-carbon energy technologies for post-conflict recovery and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Skills Required