Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering in London
Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering

Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering in London

London Full-Time 37897 - 45580 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Cranfield University.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct icing experiments and support experimental test campaigns in cutting-edge facilities.
  • Company: Cranfield University, a leader in aerospace engineering research.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Join a unique team making impactful contributions to aerospace technology.
  • Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion in aerospace or mechanical engineering with research publication experience.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with strong industry partnerships and excellent career development prospects.

The predicted salary is between 37897 - 45580 £ per year.

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Aerospace and Aviation

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

About the Role

Within 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 Icing Wind Tunnel. The role will also include the dissemination of research through publication in high-quality journals and leading conferences. The successful candidate will, if possible, develop or adopt numerical simulation models and methods pertinent to icing science and engineering, and 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 a related subject, with a record of publishing in high-quality journals. Good skills in engineering, with a focus on aerodynamics, along with experimental testing capabilities, are required for this role. A desire to develop a career in icing science, or experience with icing experience, would be considered beneficial. The ability to communicate clearly at a technical level, and the capability to clearly summarise 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 (or close to completion). The successful candidate 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 the 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).

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.

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, offshore, 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 System Design, Integration & Performance, testimony of the Centre's global visibility and extensive links with industry.

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 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.

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

Closing date for receipt of applications: 22 March 2026

Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering in London employer: Cranfield University.

Cranfield University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of aerospace engineering. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry partnerships, employees have unique opportunities for professional growth and impactful research. The university's commitment to equality, diversity, and flexible working arrangements further enhances its appeal as a supportive workplace for all staff.
Cranfield University.

Contact Detail:

Cranfield University. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace engineering field, especially those who might have insights into Cranfield University. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest research in icing science and aerothermal engineering. Show us you’re not just knowledgeable but genuinely passionate about the field. Bring your A-game to those discussions!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering in London

Experimental Testing
Data Post-Processing
Data Analysis
Aerodynamics
Numerical Simulation Models
Molecular Dynamics
Ice Adhesion Research
Instrumentation Skills
Technical Communication
Research Publication
Independent Research
Project Management
Collaboration with Industrial Partners
Icing Science Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Fellow role. Highlight your relevant experience in icing science and experimental aerothermal engineering, and don’t forget to mention any publications you've contributed to!

Show Off Your Skills: We want to see your engineering skills shine! Be specific about your experimental testing capabilities and any numerical simulation models you’ve worked with. This is your chance to show us how you can contribute to our icing team.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to summarise your objectives and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity at Cranfield University!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cranfield University.

✨Know Your Research

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in icing science and aerothermal engineering. Familiarise yourself with recent publications, especially those from Cranfield University, and be ready to discuss how your research aligns with their ongoing projects.

✨Showcase Your Experimental Skills

Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with experimental testing. Be specific about the techniques you've used, particularly in aerodynamics or icing experiments, and how they relate to the work at Cranfield. Highlight any relevant projects where you’ve successfully managed data analysis and instrumentation.

✨Communicate Clearly

Practice summarising complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and project partners, so consider preparing a few examples of how you’ve done this in past roles.

✨Align with Their Values

Familiarise yourself with Cranfield's values of Ambition, Impact, Respect, and Community. Think of examples from your own experience that reflect these values, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their culture and goals during the interview.

Research Fellow in Icing Science and Experimental Aerothermal Engineering in London
Cranfield University.
Location: London

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>