Job Description

Position Details

School of Engineering


Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK


Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36,130 to 45,413 with potential progression once in post to 48,149


Grade: 7


Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2027


Closing date: 6th May 2025

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.


This Research Fellow position is established within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham to support two externally funded projects: one funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and another supported by Shell Research Ltd. These projects focus on powertrain system modelling, engine calibration, and the influence of vehicle emission. The post is created to ensure continuity of research following the completion of a PhD by the intended candidate, who has developed key expertise in hybrid modelling and calibration, and energy management strategies.

Role Summary

Develop and apply advanced methods for engine calibration, emission evaluation, and hybrid powertrain integration. Analyse vehicle test data, support optimisation of simulation models, and contribute to technical publications and reports. Involve working closely with industrial collaborators and supporting the supervision of students. Operate within the area of energy saving and vehicle emission research, contributing to both academic and commercial research outcomes.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.


Develop research objectives in the area of hybrid powertrain and engine system performance. Build and calibrate powertrain subsystem models using tools such as GT-Power, AVL Cruise, and MATLAB/Simulink. Design energy-efficient system-level performance within various hybrid architectures. Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods. Analyse experimental data from real-world facilities and support optimisation of simulation models. Contribute to writing research bids and project reports. Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and seminars. Provide technical support and training to PhD students working on related topics. Coordinate with academic and industrial partners on project planning. Engage in public engagement, enterprise, or knowledge transfer activities as required.

Person Specification

A PhD (or thesis submitted) in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Solid experience in engine system modelling, simulation, or calibration using platforms such as GT-Power or AVL tools. Strong programming and data processing skills in MATLAB, Python, or similar environments. High-level analytical capability with the ability to interpret complex experimental data. Familiarity with hybrid powertrain systems. Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project. Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort. Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries to Hongming Xu, email: h.m.xu@bham.ac.uk

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