At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in experimental fluid dynamics and data analysis.
- Company: Join the University of Cambridge's innovative research team.
- Benefits: Gain access to a vibrant network, training opportunities, and international secondments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health and food industries through advanced research.
- Qualifications: First Class degree in chemical engineering, engineering, or physics required.
- Other info: Fixed-term position with excellent career development prospects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are recruiting for an exceptional Doctoral (PhD) Candidate to join the new MSCA Doctoral Network FairCFD. The candidate will enrol for a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Prof. Andy Sederman.
Opportunity
- FairCFD offers a unique opportunity to engage in experimental research linked to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and broadly scientific computing.
- The postholder will benefit from a breadth of experiences:
- Contribute to technological innovation in health/food industries by developing advanced and efficient data measurement strategies.
- Join a vibrant network of 15 doctoral candidates across 9 European countries, with access to network events, high-level training to technical and transverse skills, and secondments in both academic and industrial environments.
- Take part in a network-wide interdisciplinary effort to define and promote numerical sustainability in scientific research.
Project Description
Flow MRI (magnetic resonance imaging of flowing fluids) is a non‑invasive imaging technique that measures 3D and time‑resolved velocity fields in opaque fluids, making it uniquely valuable for studying flows under realistic operating conditions in a range of engineering and medical applications. Recent advances in acquisition strategies and model‑based data assimilation improve the ability of Flow MRI to be used not just to visualise flow but to infer rheological behaviour directly from experimental data. This project will develop these capabilities by combining high‑information content Flow MRI datasets with physics‑based modelling and Bayesian inference to determine constitutive models for non‑Newtonian and other complex fluids in situ. The project will require development of advanced experimental and data analysis skills and will work closely with the doctoral candidate working in Cambridge on data assimilation.
Objectives
- Design and run Flow MRI experiments on a range of non‑Newtonian fluids in steady and periodic flow.
- Develop and optimise MRI acquisition strategies to improve the efficiency of data collection and enhance spatial and temporal resolution.
- Increase the quantitative accuracy of Flow MRI data through improved reconstruction and uncertainty estimation.
- Assess the ability to accurately model these complex fluids by using adjoint‑accelerated Bayesian inference with the experimental Flow MRI data.
Secondments
The project involves secondments at the KTH (Stockholm, Sweden) and the University of Salerno (Salerno, Italy).
Eligibility
Applicants for the studentships must have a First Class (or a high 2:1) or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline such as chemical engineering, engineering or physics and must not have spent more than 12 months in the UK for the past 3 years.
Application Details
Fixed‑term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance. Applications closing date: 26th of April 2026. Please quote reference NQ49025 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. Successful candidates will be employed as a Research Assistant and must apply for admission as a PhD student with the University and meet our admission criteria.
Contact
For further details on the role please contact Prof. Andy Sederman at ajs40@cam.ac.uk. If you have questions on the application process, please email Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.
EEO Statement
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Marie Curie Research Fellow (Fixed Term) in Cambridge employer: Cambridge University Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Contact Detail:
Cambridge University Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Marie Curie Research Fellow (Fixed Term) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past PhD candidates in the FairCFD network. They can give you insider info on what to expect and how to stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into Flow MRI and its applications. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you can discuss recent advancements and how they relate to the project.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to explain complex concepts clearly and confidently. Grab a friend or use a mirror to rehearse your pitch about your research interests and how they align with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Marie Curie Research Fellow (Fixed Term) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Marie Curie Research Fellow position. Highlight relevant experiences, especially in chemical engineering and any research related to fluid dynamics. We want to see how your background aligns with the project!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for experimental research and how you can contribute to the FairCFD network. Don’t forget to mention your interest in interdisciplinary collaboration!
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application details provided. Make sure to quote reference NQ49025 in your application and any correspondence. We appreciate candidates who follow instructions carefully!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows us you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with our digital platforms!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge University Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the specifics of Flow MRI and its applications in non-Newtonian fluids. Be prepared to discuss how your background in chemical engineering or physics aligns with the project objectives, especially around data measurement strategies and Bayesian inference.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight any relevant experimental and data analysis skills you possess. If you've worked on similar projects or have experience with computational fluid dynamics, make sure to bring that up. Concrete examples will help demonstrate your capability to contribute to the technological innovations in health and food industries.
✨Engage with the Network
Familiarise yourself with the FairCFD network and its interdisciplinary approach. Mention any collaborative experiences you've had, as this role involves working closely with other doctoral candidates across Europe. Showing enthusiasm for teamwork and networking can set you apart.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the secondments at KTH and the University of Salerno, or ask how the team defines numerical sustainability in their research. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the broader impact of the work.