At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to model and predict wildfire behaviour using cutting-edge research techniques.
- Company: King's College London, renowned for innovative research in engineering and fire dynamics.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildfire prevention and contribute to groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field with fire dynamics expertise.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint up to 2 full‐time (1.0 FTE) Research Associates to work for the next 2.5 years at the intersection of prevention and prediction of wildfire risk by contributing to the development of a fundamental physical model to understand the process of fire spread for wildfires, as part of the European Research Council grant FIREMOD.
This is a full‐time post, and you will be offered a fixed‐term 30‐month contract. At King's, you will be part of an active research programme in the Heat and Fire Lab in the Department of Engineering under the supervision of Dr Francesco Restuccia. Our group is focused on carrying out experimental and computational multidisciplinary research in the thermal sciences covering heat transfer, combustion, fire science, and bioenergy.
Our interests range from helping develop more efficient and durable energy storage to understanding the fundamentals of ignition and fire spread for prevention of damage to people, property, and the environment from unwanted fires in topics such as wildfire and electrification. Our current projects focus on wildfire dynamics, battery fires, thermal management of Lithium‐Ion batteries, and ignition research.
The research in this project at King's aims at creating a detailed physical model to better understand and predict fire behaviour. The project will study fire across different scales, include smouldering effects, and improve small and large‐scale fire models. This approach will help manage wildfires more effectively and provide valuable tools for researchers.
Responsibilities:- Fire dynamic modelling for upscaling current lab‐scale models to field‐scale fires.
- Supporting the development of a numerical model of ignition and flame spread based on fuel properties.
- Integrate transition from smouldering to flaming regimes when quantifying different fire spread regimes.
- Support experimental validation work at the lab scale on a variety of vegetation.
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering or an area related to Fire Safety Engineering.
- Good knowledge and research experience in fire dynamics.
- Publications in fire safety engineering or closely related area in peer‐reviewed journals.
- Proficiency in a Multiphysics software and fire dynamics simulation software (FDS or similar).
- Knowledge of kinetics processes for vegetation.
- Proficiency in Chemical Kinetics software (Cantera or similar).
- Experience in experimental work for wildfires.
- Supervision experience of students at Masters or PhD level.
*Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
Research Associate in Fire Dynamics in London employer: Euraxess
At King's, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that encourages research excellence and personal growth. As a Research Associate in Fire Dynamics, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to tackling critical challenges in wildfire risk management, with access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. Our commitment to employee development, coupled with the opportunity to contribute to impactful research, makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in engineering and fire safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Fire Dynamics in London
✨Get Involved with Local Fire Services
Join community groups or volunteer with local fire departments to get a foot in the door. It’s a great way to showcase your commitment to fire safety and emergency services while also making valuable connections in the field.
✨Attend Firefighting Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for firefighting job fairs and emergency services recruiting events in your area. These are goldmines for meeting staff from companies like Euraxess and other emergency services, giving you a chance to chat and make a lasting impression.
✨Connect with Industry Professionals Online
Utilise platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find fire service groups and forums. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can elevate your profile and help us to learn from those already in the field, potentially leading to job openings.
✨Keep Your Training Up-to-Date
Make sure your qualifications are current! Pursuing additional training, like first aid or specialised firefighting courses, shows your dedication and might just set you apart from the crowd when applying for roles at Euraxess.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Fire Dynamics in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commitment to Safety:In the fire and emergency services sector, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of safety protocols and emergency response challenges. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've completed, like First Aid or Fire Safety courses, and highlight your commitment to public safety in your cover letter.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:This field is all about collaboration! Make sure your CV emphasises your ability to work in a team under pressure. Detail examples of teamwork from previous roles, volunteer work or community involvement. Hiring managers at Euraxess will love to see how you thrive in a group dynamic.
Detail Your Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, don't just mention your job titles – dig into your responsibilities and achievements that relate specifically to fire and emergency services. Include any volunteer work, internships, or projects that display your hands-on experience in this field, especially if you're transitioning from another area.
Craft a Strong Motivation Statement:As you're applying for a full-time role, it’s key to articulate why you want to join Euraxess specifically. Dive into your motivation for working in fire services, and how this aligns with your career goals. We want to see your passion for contributing to the community and the impact you wish to make!
How to prepare for a job interview at Euraxess
✨Know Your Emergency Protocols
Since you're eyeing a role in fire emergency services, brush up on the latest firefighting techniques and protocols. Understanding the fundamentals of fire behaviour, rescue operations, and safety measures will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect situational questions that test your ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure scenarios. Think of examples from your previous experiences or training where you had to think on your feet—this will really highlight your suitability for the role and show that you can handle real emergencies.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Community Engagement
Fire emergency services rely heavily on teamwork, so come prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in stressful situations. Additionally, showcase any community involvement or outreach you've done—it's a great way to demonstrate your commitment to public safety and your understanding of community dynamics.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Training
Make sure you’re ready to talk about any relevant training or certifications you have. Whether it’s emergency response training or a first aid qualification, make it clear how these experiences prepare you for a full-time position in fire emergency services with Euraxess. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
