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- Tasks: Support cutting-edge research on lightweight structures for next-gen aircraft.
- Company: Cranfield University, a leader in aerospace engineering and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a vibrant academic community.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious project shaping the future of aviation with hydrogen technology.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in a relevant field and experience in research methodologies.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 29363 - 34332 £ per year.
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Aerospace and Aviation
Fixed Term Contract for 12 months
Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £29,363 to £34,332 per annum
Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire
We welcome applications from passionate, skilled and committed candidates to join our Advanced Lightweight Structures Group to contribute to the EU-funded CRYOSTAR project.
About the Role
The Research Assistant will support the EU-funded CRYOSTAR project. This prestigious Horizon Europe initiative aims to define a certification roadmap and develop validated crashworthiness methodologies for fuselage-integrated liquid hydrogen (LH2) tanks in next-generation aircraft.
About You
You will be educated to Master’s level in a relevant subject and have experience of management of research, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. With excellent communication skills, you will have expertise in finite element analysis (FEA), impact analysis, or structural mechanics. Knowledge of crashworthiness or hydrogen/cryogenic systems would be an advantage.
It is anticipated that the successful candidate will be able to commence by the end of July 2026.
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. The Centre for Aeronautics is one of the world’s largest Centres for postgraduate education and research in aircraft design, aerodynamics, advanced modelling and simulation tools and methods.
Our leading research is application-oriented and performed in close cooperation with industry, enabling us to introduce relevant findings quickly into our CPD and Master’s programmes. The Centre for Aeronautics comprises five groups with specialist research interests, including the Advanced Lightweight Structures Group.
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 Martin Skote, Airbus Professor of Landing Systems Engineering, on (T): or (E): m.skote@cranfield.ac.uk
Closing date for receipt of applications: 8 March 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
Research Assistant in Lightweight Structures employer: Euraxess
Contact Detail:
Euraxess Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Lightweight Structures
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Cranfield University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of lightweight structures and crashworthiness methodologies. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our communication skills! Since excellent communication is key for this role, let’s rehearse explaining complex concepts in simple terms. This will help us shine during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Lightweight Structures
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in aerospace engineering, especially any work related to lightweight structures or crashworthiness methodologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this position and how your skills align with the CRYOSTAR project. Be specific about your experience with finite element analysis and any relevant projects you've worked on.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly in both your CV and cover letter. We want to see how you can effectively share your research findings.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered before the deadline on 8 March 2026.
How to prepare for a job interview at Euraxess
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of lightweight structures and crashworthiness methodologies. Familiarise yourself with the CRYOSTAR project and its goals, as well as any relevant research Cranfield University has conducted in this area.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with finite element analysis (FEA) and impact analysis. Bring examples of past projects where you've applied these skills, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are a must for this role, practice articulating complex engineering concepts in a clear and concise manner. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
✨Align with Their Values
Cranfield University values ambition, impact, respect, and community. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous work or studies.
