Job Description

Fixed Term Contract for 24 months
Full time starting salary (if PhD obtained) is normally in the range of 37,337 per annum
Full time starting salary (if PhD close to completion) is normally in the range of 34,450 per annum
We welcome applications from passionate and skilled post-PhD or experienced researchers in Computational Fluid Dynamics, to join our team working on renewables and low carbon technologies.
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.
This role, based at Cranfield University, will involve developing suitable CFD models to study the behaviour of plasma and waste flow, and suggest designs based on parametric sensitivity analysis. Such results will be integrated into system upgrades.
About You
You will have a PhD (or close to completion) in Computational Fluid Dynamics with relevant experience in chemical engineering, heat transfer, combustion for direct application to plasma gasification using a commercial CFD code such as ANSYS Fluent or StarCCM+. You will also have significant expertise with creating CAD models as the role will involve some design. Excellent communication skills, experience in using HPC systems and scripting, and UDF writing, would be advantageous.
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 .
The Automotive, Energy & Photonics Theme research strategy spans widely across the energy sectors future needs, and has a global reputation for its research in engineering and management of Energy. It integrates engineering, data, and materials science to develop next-generation energy technologies, address climate change, and ensure global energy access. Find out more .
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 .
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 committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity . Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working .
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 Dr Patrick Verdin, Reader in Energy Fluid Dynamics, on (E):
Apply . Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: . Please quote reference number 5137.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 16 November 2025
Full time starting salary (if PhD obtained) is normally in the range of 37,337 per annum Full time starting salary (if PhD close to completion) is normally in the range of 34,450 per annum

Skills Required