At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a multidisciplinary team to innovate bio-inspired designs for wind turbine blades.
- Company: Northumbria University, a top UK research institution focused on renewable energy.
- Benefits: £75,000 development programme, flexible working, excellent pension schemes, and generous holidays.
- Other info: Vibrant, inclusive community with access to advanced facilities and industry partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in renewable energy while advancing your career with international opportunities.
- Qualifications: PhD in mechanical/aerospace engineering or applied physics with expertise in aerodynamics.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Working as part of a supportive multidisciplinary team, you will support the Principal Investigator in delivering research activity on Project WHOWL: Whale- and Owl-Inspired Synergistic Aerodynamic–Aeroacoustic Control for Wind Turbine Blades — a UKRI/EPSRC-funded project starting October 2026. WHOWL is under EPSRC's flagship "Unlocking the Full Potential of Nature-Based Engineering" call. The project investigates, for the first time, the synergistic integration of whale-inspired leading-edge protuberances and owl-inspired trailing-edge serrations on wind turbine blades, aiming to break the long-standing trade-off between aerodynamic performance and noise emissions.
You will work alongside the Principal Investigator at Northumbria University in Newcastle and the Co-Investigator at the University of Leeds, supported by industry partners (ORE Catapult and WhalePower Corporation) and an international collaboration with West Chester University in the USA.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Designing and parametrising hybrid bio-inspired aerofoil configurations — translating biological principles into engineering design matrices, and contributing to the development of an open-source parametric design framework for bio-inspired wind turbine blades
- Conducting wind tunnel experimental campaigns including aerodynamic measurements of bio-inspired aerofoil configurations
- Developing and running high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations with associated aeroacoustic analysis
- Producing high-quality, peer-reviewed publications and presenting at international conferences
- Coordinating technical engagement with project partners and contributing to dissemination activities
This is a full-time 24-month fixed-term post starting October 2026. A bespoke £75,000 ring-fenced PDRA/Early Career Researcher development programme is uniquely built into this project, reflecting our commitment to supporting ECR's long-term career growth. The successful candidate will benefit from structured technical training in the UK and USA, international conference presentations, industrial mentoring at ORE Catapult, and tailored development in research and project management — providing an exceptional springboard for career progression toward fellowship, faculty positions, or senior roles in industry.
ABOUT THE TEAM
This research project is being delivered within the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics at Northumbria University, a research-intensive department whose work in renewable energy, fluid dynamics and aeroacoustics has contributed to Northumbria's top-25 UK ranking for research power. The project is hosted at the Northumbria University Aerodynamics Laboratory, with access to the University's wind tunnel facility, advanced PIV instrumentation, and high-performance computing resources. WHOWL is a flagship project under Northumbria's Energy Futures multidisciplinary research theme — the University's primary platform for net-zero research, supporting partnerships with over 30 industrial collaborators across the renewable energy sector. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive interdisciplinary community at the interface of engineering, applied physics, and bio-inspired design.
ABOUT YOU
Applicants should hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline such as mechanical or aerospace engineering, applied physics, fluid mechanics, or a closely related field, with demonstrable expert knowledge in aerodynamics, experimental fluid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, or aeroacoustics. We particularly welcome applicants with experience in:
- Bio-inspired aerodynamics, wind turbine blade design, and/or aeroacoustics
- Aerofoil or blade design, including parametric geometry generation and CAD-based modelling
- Low-speed wind tunnel testing, including dynamic stall testing, with non-intrusive flow measurement techniques.
- Unsteady CFD simulations and turbulence modelling
- A track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals in fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, or renewable energy
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Xiang Shen (Principal Investigator) at shaun.shen@northumbria.ac.uk.
We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more. Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: EURAXESS Ireland
Northumbria University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises academic excellence and innovation. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will benefit from a bespoke development programme, structured training opportunities, and access to cutting-edge facilities in a supportive multidisciplinary team, all while contributing to groundbreaking research in renewable energy. Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, the university promotes a positive work-life balance with flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
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We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Newcastle upon Tyne
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We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a temporary role in aerospace engineering, make sure to highlight any relevant projects you've worked on. Include details about your role, the technologies or methodologies used, and the impact of your work. This not only demonstrates your hands-on experience but also your understanding of the field.
Tailor Your CV to Engineering Standards:Your CV should follow industry conventions, so make sure it's structured to showcase your technical skills, like CAD software or simulation tools. Also, include any certifications relevant to aerospace engineering, as these can make a strong impression on EURAXESS Ireland.
Inject Some Personality into Your Cover Letter:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see why you're excited about this opportunity with EURAXESS Ireland. Let your personality shine through your cover letter, perhaps by discussing why aerospace engineering fascinates you or sharing a project that ignited your passion. We want to see your motivation and enthusiasm!
Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills:Aerospace engineering often involves collaboration, so be sure to showcase your teamwork and communication skills in your written application. Use examples that demonstrate how you've effectively worked with others, especially in high-pressure situations, as this will resonate well with EURAXESS Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at EURAXESS Ireland
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given you're aiming for a role in aerospace engineering, make sure you’re clear on key principles relevant to the role. Expect to tackle questions about materials, aerodynamics, and engineering principles. Revisit any projects or concepts you’ve studied, especially those that highlight problem-solving in design processes.
✨Showcase Relevant Projects in Your Portfolio
Even for a temporary role, it's crucial to present any relevant aerospace projects you’ve worked on. We should be ready to discuss the tools you used, the methodology behind your designs, and the specific outcomes. It's your chance to showcase not just your skills but also your passion for engineering.
✨Understand the Temporary Nature of the Role
Since this is a temporary position, we want to be prepared to discuss how we can quickly add value to the team. Be ready to articulate what you can bring to the company during this short-term engagement and show eagerness to learn and adapt quickly within the environment at EURAXESS Ireland.
✨Prepare for Practical Technical Assessments
Expect potential technical assessments where you might need to solve engineering problems or even design a small project on the spot. We should practice common scenarios that could arise in aerospace to demonstrate our hands-on ability, whether it's through CAD software or analytical thinking.
