Post-Doctoral Researcher in Control Engineering in Oxford

This is a fixed-term appointment for 24 months. We are seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient researcher in Control and Embedded Systems Engineering to support the development and deployment of intelligent, safety-enhanced BMS technologies within a university/spinout environment. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of applied research and innovation, helping translate novel control algorithms and hardware prototypes into real-world impact alongside academic and industrial partners.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and validate embedded control systems for advanced BMS solutions, using microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, STM32, ESP32) and industry-relevant hardware platforms.
• Collaborate closely with industry stakeholders to co-develop next-generation battery control solutions, supporting commercialisation and industrial integration.
• Provide expert-level technical and research support to the Architectural Engineering Group.
• Contribute to ongoing research projects, funding applications, and spinout activities, including technical planning and delivery.
• Lead the development of hardware-software integration workflows for monitoring, diagnostics, and control of battery systems.
• Produce high-impact research outputs (journal publications, conference papers, and technical reports).
• Present research results at conferences, consortium meetings, and industrial forums.
• Engage in knowledge exchange, contributing to grant writing and collaborative partnerships both internally and externally.
• Undertake a small amount of teaching and assessment and supervision of projects/dissertations for UG students.
• Coach and mentor PG/PhD students and, where appropriate, gain experience of PhD supervision.

Qualifications

• PhD (or strong industrial experience and a Master’s degree) in Control Engineering, Power Electronics, Embedded Systems, or closely related disciplines.
• Proven experience in the design and development of embedded systems, particularly for energy systems or control applications.
• Hands‑on expertise with microcontrollers (e.g. Arduino, STM32), embedded C/C++, and firmware development.
• Familiarity with BMS development or experience with other complex control systems such as motor drives, power converters or real-time embedded controllers.
• Practical experience in system modelling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.
• Exposure to AI/ML techniques, particularly as applied to sensor data, diagnostics or control optimisation.
• Proficiency in software development for hardware interfacing, sensor integration and communication protocols (e.g., CAN, I2C, SPI).
• Ability to analyse and interpret experimental data using statistical and algorithmic methods.
• Track record of publications in peer‑reviewed journals or conference proceedings.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi‑disciplinary research and innovation environment.

Desirable Skills and Attributes

• Experience in start‑up, spin‑out or commercial R&D environments.
• Prior involvement in writing or supporting successful funding bids.
• Familiarity with safety‑critical systems, energy storage technologies or automotive standards.
• Capability to support hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) and software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL) testing frameworks.
• High level of personal initiative, creativity and technical problem‑solving.

Benefits

• A minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).
• Encouragement and support for hybrid working where the role allows.
• Access to an extremely competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
• Access to an occupational health service, financial education and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
• Prioritisation of employee wellbeing – physically, mentally and financially – with a diverse and comprehensive benefits package.
• Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities.
• An on‑site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages).
• Discounted travel options.
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme).
• Training and development opportunities.
• A connected community with a wide variety of staff networks.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background. As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.