At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop innovative models predicting wildfire behaviour and prevention strategies.
- Company: Be part of King's College London's cutting-edge research in fire dynamics.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative research environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and hands-on experimental work in a dynamic lab setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildfire management and contribute to vital environmental research.
- Qualifications: PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field; experience in fire dynamics and modelling.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a full-time (1.0 FTE) Research Associate to work for the next 2.5 years at the interlink 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.
Specifically this role will lay the foundation to enable:
- 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.
Candidates with a background in Fire Science and physics-based modelling are particularly encouraged to apply.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering or in 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.
Interviews are due to be held in April 2026.
Research Associate in Fire Dynamics employer: Euraxess
The University of Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of environmental science. As a Research Fellow, you will have access to cutting-edge resources and the opportunity to work alongside leading experts, enhancing your professional growth while contributing to impactful research on ocean biogeochemistry. Located in a dynamic academic environment, the university prioritises employee development and provides a supportive atmosphere for meaningful contributions to scientific advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Fire Dynamics
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fire dynamics field, especially those connected to King’s College London. Attend relevant events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest research in fire dynamics. Familiarise yourself with the work being done at King’s, especially in the Heat and Fire Lab. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in their projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your research experience, publications, and any relevant projects. This is your chance to visually demonstrate your expertise in fire dynamics and modelling, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at King’s. So, get your application in and let’s make some fire science magic happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Fire Dynamics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Associate role. Highlight your experience in fire dynamics and any relevant publications. We want to see how your background fits with our projects at King’s!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about fire science and how your skills align with our research goals. Let us know what excites you about joining the Heat and Fire Lab.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Multiphysics software and any experimental work you've done related to wildfires. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so show us what you’ve got!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Euraxess
✨Know Your Fire Dynamics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fire dynamics and related research. Be prepared to discuss your previous work in this area, especially any publications you've contributed to. This will show that you're not just familiar with the subject but also passionate about it.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Tools
Since proficiency in Multiphysics software and fire dynamics simulation software is crucial, take some time to review these tools before the interview. If you have experience with FDS or Cantera, be ready to share specific examples of how you've used them in your research.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to fire behaviour modelling and experimental validation. Think about potential challenges in your past projects and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and depth of understanding.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working within a team, so be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative research settings. Highlight any supervision experience you have with students, as this shows your ability to mentor and work well with others in a research environment.
