At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop thermodynamic simulations for CO₂ geothermal systems and collaborate with industry partners.
- Company: Join the University of Manchester, a leader in energy transition research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, generous pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term Grade 6 role starting July/August 2026.
- Why this job: Contribute to innovative low-carbon technology research within a dynamic team environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in engineering with expertise in fluid flow modelling and advanced computational methods required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research supporting the UK’s energy transition, as part of the UK Energy Futures Research Partnership, a major collaboration between leading UK universities and industry. The post will focus on advancing research into CO₂ Plume Geothermal (CPG) systems, an emerging low‑carbon technology that combines geothermal energy production with permanent CO₂ storage. You will work within a dynamic and inclusive research environment, collaborating closely with academic colleagues and industry partners, including Eni S.p.A., to develop innovative modelling approaches for sustainable geoenergy systems. This is a fixed‑term Grade 6 role, starting July/August 2026, based at the University of Manchester. We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.
Responsibilities
- Develop advanced thermodynamic and compositional reservoir simulations for CO₂‑based geothermal systems
- Investigate the impact of geological heterogeneity on CO₂ flow, heat extraction and long‑term storage
- Apply GPU‑based modelling frameworks and machine‑learning‑enhanced approaches to fluid flow in porous media
- Collaborate with academic and industry partners across the UK Energy Futures consortium
- Disseminate research through high‑quality peer‑reviewed publications, reports and conference presentations
Essential Criteria
- A PhD in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g. chemical engineering, fluid mechanics or reservoir engineering)
- Proven research expertise in fluid flow modelling in porous media
- Experience with advanced computational approaches, including GPU‑based modelling and/or data‑driven methods
- A strong publication record relevant to the project area
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary and international research teams
Desirable Criteria
- Expertise in fluid flow modelling across multiple length scales
- Experience contributing to supervision of postgraduate research projects
- Experience developing or working with in‑house or industry‑standard simulation tools
Benefits
- Generous employer pension contribution
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Access to extensive professional development and industry collaboration opportunities
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
PDRA for ENI UK Energy Futures Project at University of Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester offers a collaborative research environment focused on the UK’s energy transition. Employees benefit from 29 days of annual leave and a generous pension scheme. The team works closely with industry leaders like Eni S.p.A. on cutting-edge projects.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
