At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to innovate in thermo-fluid simulations for aviation propulsion systems.
- Company: Cranfield University, a leader in aerospace research and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a vibrant research community.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on zero-emission aviation while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Post-doctoral level education in relevant fields and strong technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 46492 - 46492 £ per year.
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: Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period: Fixed Term Contract for 3 years
Salary: Salary Level 5 – range £38,655 to £46,492 per annum
Application Deadline: 19 Aug 2026
Role Description
We welcome applications from talented researchers to join our Gas Turbine Engineering group who want to make a significant impact on the shape and future direction of our Centre’s portfolio of activities in the area of thermo-fluid simulations for use in propulsion system architectures utilising advanced multi-phase flow methods.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to research on a project supporting the move of aviation towards zero emissions, as part of a team within the Centre for Aeronautics, Propulsion and Power and specifically the Rolls-Royce UTC in Aero Systems Design, Integration and Performance. This role will contribute to the development of various systems used in propulsion architectures. You will be working in advanced computational fluid dynamic modelling and assessment of thermo-fluids systems for aviation, focusing on icing in aircraft fuel systems.
About You
You will be educated to post-doctoral level in a relevant subject with the necessary technical knowledge and experience such as multi-phase flow, flow modelling at different levels of fidelity, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), aero-thermodynamics of power and propulsion systems, heat and mass transfer, thermo-fluid systems simulation and programming, as well as exposure to software platforms and algorithms for advanced numerical simulations. You will have experience in composing project deliverables, delivering effective presentations, and be able to assist in project integration workshops and other meetings. With good communication skills, you will also be a good team player. Project planning is also an important skill for this post along with the ability to demonstrate self-motivation, perseverance, and initiative.
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. Aerospace and Aviation is at the heart of Cranfield’s global research airport and is renowned throughout the world for its teaching and research. Cranfield Aerospace centres are the powerhouses of our world class research, driving technological and conceptual advances in aeronautics, propulsion & power, cyber-physical systems and intelligent automation. Through the strong links with industry built over the past 75 years, we focus on defining and delivering the aircraft, airport and airspace management of the future and are the only university in Europe with our own airport and air traffic control capability.
The Centre for Aeronautics, Propulsion and Power at Cranfield University brings together world-leading expertise in aircraft design, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, propulsion, and thermal power systems within a single, integrated structure. Formed through the merger of the former Centres for Aeronautics and Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering, it creates a unique whole-system capability spanning airframe and propulsion disciplines. The Centre addresses the full lifecycle of aerospace and energy systems—from conceptual design and advanced simulation to experimental validation and operational performance. With a strong industry-embedded approach, extensive research activity, and a vibrant postgraduate community, it is positioned as one of Europe’s leading academic hubs in sustainable aviation and advanced propulsion. Its mission is to develop next-generation low-emission, high-efficiency air systems and to educate the engineers who will deliver net-zero aviation and sustainable energy solutions worldwide.
Our Values and Commitments
Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. 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. 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.
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.
Research Fellow in Thermo-Fluid Simulations in Cranfield employer: Cranfield University
Cranfield University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration within the Faculty of Business and Management. With flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on employee development, staff are empowered to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on students' entrepreneurial journeys. The university's commitment to fostering a vibrant academic community makes it an attractive place for those passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Thermo-Fluid Simulations in Cranfield
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Cranfield University for a Research Fellow in Thermo-Fluid Simulations. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Thermo-Fluid Simulations in Cranfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Cranfield University, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Cranfield University, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranfield University
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Cranfield University.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Cranfield University. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Cranfield University love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
