Job Description

Research Fellow in Impact Icing Science and Engineering

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Organisation
Cranfield University
Faculty or Department
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Based at
Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work
37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type
Permanent
Salary
Full time starting salary is normally in the range of 37,337 to 44,906 per annum, with potential progression up to 51,298 per annum; If PhD is close to completion: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of 28,929 to 33,825 per annum, with potential progression up to 39,586 per annum
Posted Date
06/08/2025
Apply by
03/09/2025

Role Description

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The Centre for Propulsion Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences (FEAS) is looking to expand its internationally renowned activities with the recruitment of a full-time Research Fellow in Impact Icing Science and Engineering.

About the Role

With the centre the icing team undertakes a wide range of activities including research in ice adhesion, ice properties, instrumentation, as well as ice protection technologies and the impact of ice on aerodynamic components. In addition, the team works closely with a substantial number of national and international industrial partners in the aerospace and wind turbine sector. A key aspect of the activity is focused on experimental work with dedicated icing wind tunnel facilities as well as a vertical droplet tunnel. The team also undertakes research in the area of fundamental modelling with molecular dynamic and ice/substrate interface bonding analysis.



The main aspects of the research fellow role include conducting icing experiments in the Cranfield Icing Wind Tunnel (IWT) facilities and providing support on experimental test campaigns. This will include assisting with tunnel and model instrumentation, data post-processing, analysis and management for experimental projects conducted in the IWT. Disseminate research through publication in high-quality journals and leading conferences. If possible, develop or adopt numerical simulation models and methods pertinent to icing science and engineering. Develop an individual research strategy and profile in icing science and engineering.

About You

You will hold a PhD (or close to completion) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related subject with a record of publishing in high quality journals.



Good skills in engineering experiment testing and measurements are required and experience of icing experiments would be beneficial. Ability to communicate clearly at a technical level and capability of clearly summarising objectives and achievements for briefing colleagues and project partners is also essential. Candidates are expected to be confident independent researchers, educated at a PhD level. The Research Fellow is also expected to assist with the general programme of work that is conducted in the Centre.



Overall, the icing test facilities, and industrial relationships, are unique within UK and offer a fantastic opportunity for research and development across a wide range of technology readiness levels. The position is within the Gas Turbine Technology group within the Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering.



Due to the nature of this role, you will be required to obtain UK Security Clearance (BPSS). The successful candidate would be expected to start no later than November 2025.

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.



The Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering is around 80 staff strong (including visiting academics) and one of the largest research and education activities within the University. The activity spans across land, off-shore, marine, air and space power and propulsion applications. Our activity is characterised by a close integration of taught and short course education and research and includes the internationally recognised Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc course. The activities within the Centre encompass a very wide range of topics including gas turbine performance modelling, propulsion aerodynamics, icing, combustion, computational fluid dynamics, advanced instrumentation, turbomachinery and thermal management. The Centre is also host to the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre for Aero Systems Design, Integration & Performance, testimony of the Centre's global visibility and extensive links with industry. You can find further details on the Centre or on the icing test facilities on our website.

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 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 Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

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 Professor David MacManus, Professor of Propulsion Aerodynamics & Installations, on (E): d.g.macmanus@cranfield.ac.uk



Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on (E): peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5110.



Closing date for receipt of applications: 3 September 2025