Research Associate in Advanced Laser Diagnostics in Flame Spread Applications in Edinburgh

UE07: £41,064.00 - £48,822.00 Per Annum. College of Science & Engineering / School of Engineering. Institute/Discipline: Institute of Multiscale Thermofluids. Full Time - 35 hours per week. Fixed Term Contract - 24 months.

We are looking for a post‑doctoral researcher associate (PDRA) who has appreciable experience with advanced laser diagnostics, which will be used for fundamental studies of fire phenomena including flame spread, heat transfer, fluid mechanics and flame dynamics.

The Opportunity: This project focuses on applications of laser and optical diagnostic techniques to study the fundamental mechanisms governing flame spread behaviour on solid surfaces. The experimental techniques provide non‑intrusive measurements of gas phase temperature, species concentrations, velocity field, soot distribution, and surface temperature during flame spread. Measurements will assess the key physical and chemical interactions governing flames as they spread over solid material, with particular emphasis on resolving the coupling between gas‑ and solid‑phase processes, including modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) and the gas phase processes (flame behaviour, chemical reactions, mixing, etc.). Investigation will be performed in relation to system parameters including the direction of flame spread, fuel thickness, fuel properties (charring vs. non‑charring materials), and oxidiser flow conditions.

This work provides an exciting opportunity to study a rich scientific problem, where the coupling of solid‑phase and gas‑phase phenomena has been limited by a lack of non‑intrusive experimental tools applied to flame spread. We are hiring a PDRA with experience with laser diagnostics applied in flame environments. Diagnostics that will be used in this project include coherent anti‑Stokes Raman spectroscopy, laser induced fluorescence, phosphor thermometry, particle‑image velocimetry, and two‑colour pyrometry. Candidates must have experience with at least one of the above diagnostics to be considered for the position. Strong candidates will exhibit the ability to learn diagnostics (where applicable) and apply them to fire science applications. Candidates must have their PhD in Engineering or other relevant fields. The candidate will join two PhDs and an experimental officer working on this project. This role is UE07 and is available on a fixed term basis for up to 24 months.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Proven track record with laser diagnostics in reacting flows
• Experience in fire or combustion related topics
• Strong track‑record in publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals
• Experience or theoretical knowledge of flame behaviour
• Strong understanding of heat transfer and fluid mechanics in flame environments

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family‑friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion: The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note: The closing date for applications is 12 June 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser’s local time zone.