At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to model advanced fuel cells and develop AI tools for greener marine propulsion.
- Company: Department of Engineering focused on maritime sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Gain experience in cutting-edge research with potential for impactful contributions.
- Other info: Fixed-term position until December 2027 with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of pioneering projects that drive decarbonisation in the maritime industry.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Department of Engineering, with a focus on advanced solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) modelling, three-dimensional combustion and engine simulation, and AI-assisted modelling approaches for hybrid marine propulsion system development incorporating a range of decarbonisation technologies.
This position is part of the EPSRC MaRes Hub and the Horizon Europe project SEASTARS, both of which aim to advance maritime sustainability through the integration of innovative emission-reduction and energy-efficiency technologies across multiple ship classes and shore power applications. The project seeks to deliver industry-relevant modelling toolkits that enable optimal design and operation of greener vessels, backed by real-world demonstrations.
The successful candidate will work at the intersection of multi-disciplinary modelling, advanced AI algorithms, and decision-support tool development. Responsibilities will include:
- Programming, analysing and interpreting data.
- Contributing to innovative solutions that support maritime decarbonisation.
- Supporting research funding proposals.
- Engaging in licensing or spin-out activities.
- Enhancing the public and commercial impact of the research.
The post-holder is employed to work on the EPSRC and Horizon projects which will be led by Prof Dawei Wu. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
This post is fixed term and time limited and will end on 31/12/2027. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1 July 2026.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Engineering in Bath employer: Durham University
As a leading institution in engineering research, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to sustainability and advanced technologies provides employees with unique opportunities for professional growth and impactful contributions to maritime decarbonisation efforts. Located in a vibrant academic community, our culture encourages interdisciplinary teamwork and the development of cutting-edge solutions, making us an attractive employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Engineering in Bath
✨Get Hands-On with Temporary Projects
Temporary roles are all about flexibility and quick results. Look for short-term engineering projects or gigs that local companies might need help with. You can find these on job boards like Indeed or even niche platforms like PeoplePerHour. Don't be shy to reach out directly to firms—sometimes they have needs that aren't posted yet!
✨Tap into Engineering Meetups
Networking is key in engineering, especially for temporary positions. Check out local engineering meetups or hackathons relevant to your interests. Engaging with peers can lead to leads on temporary roles. Plus, it’s a sweet way to showcase your skills and passion in person—who knows who might be hiring at one of these events?
✨Leverage Your Connections
Let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for a temporary engineering role. Often, personal recommendations can get you in the door faster than any application. Share your goals and what you’re looking for through social media or casual conversations; you’d be surprised how many people might have the right connections!
✨Stay Sharp with Online Courses
While you're searching, keep those skills fresh! Take on some online courses related to your engineering field. Platforms like Coursera or edX can help you stay current and even get some certifications under your belt. This shows potential employers at Durham University that you’re committed to growth, making you a more appealing candidate for temporary roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Engineering in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Versatile Engineering Skills:For a temporary engineering role like this one at Durham University, make sure to showcase a broad range of your engineering skills. Talk about different projects you’ve undertaken, focusing on your problem-solving ability and adaptability—key traits for temporary positions that depend on quick integration into teams.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, clarity is essential. In your cover letter, be upfront about your availability and how soon you can start. Employers like Durham University want to know that you can hit the ground running, so don’t shy away from mentioning your flexibility!
Tailor Your CV to Showcase Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV is tailored to reflect the specific engineering projects relevant to the job. For instance, if you’ve worked on temporary contracts before or have engaged in diverse engineering processes, highlight these experiences to show how well-rounded you are.
Include References from Past Employers:Temporary positions often require trust and reliability. Adding references from previous employers can significantly boost your application. It shows that you have a strong work ethic and can adapt quickly, which is exactly what Durham University will be looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Get to Grips with Your Technical Skills
Engineering roles often involve assessing your technical expertise, so be prepared to delve into your core skills. Brush up on relevant software and tools you’ve used before, as well as any engineering principles that relate to the position at Durham University. We want you to showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving capabilities – it could be the difference between you and another candidate!
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical scenarios during the interview. Whether it's a design challenge or a troubleshooting test, Durham University might want to see how you approach real-world engineering problems. Think of specific examples from your past work where you had to think on your feet and be ready to walk your interviewers through your thought process.
✨Show Your Adaptability in Temporary Roles
Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to hit the ground running. Make sure to convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly to the team and the specific projects at Durham University. We all know that temporary roles can be a bit of a whirlwind, so emphasise your quick learning skills and your approach to managing change.
✨Highlight Relevant Portfolio Projects
If you've worked on engineering projects that align with the role at Durham University, make sure to bring them up! A portfolio can be a great way to illustrate your engineering prowess. Discuss the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved – this will give the interviewers a tangible idea of what you bring to the table.
