At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct cutting-edge research on aerosol droplets and fluid mechanics to improve clinical trials.
- Company: Join UCL, a leading global university focused on innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of holiday, a pension scheme, and an on-site gym.
- Other info: Engage in public outreach and contribute to teaching and research proposals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by advancing aerosol research and technology.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in fluid mechanics with strong research and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45103 - 45103 £ per year.
This post is part of the InspiringFuture (ERC Consolidator) project & the NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Health: AirSafety. Our emphasis is on rapid clinical translation, with the research fellow concentrating on improving and maintaining current clinical trial experimental rigs consisting of aerosol generators and particle counter units. In addition, they will undertake aerosol dispersion and fluid mechanics measurements and provide engineering support to clinicians within and outside UCL campus and periodically at different hospitals across the UK. The post is initially funded for two years and will be subject to standard probation and appraisal procedures. This is a Grade 7 post remunerating at £45,103 (Spine Point 31) including London Weighting allowance. Applications from finishing PhD students at Grade 6B are accepted with a salary of £39,148. Upon submission of proof of their PhD degree certificate, the candidate appointed at Grade 6B is moved to Grade 7, Spine Point 31. The position is based in UCL and will require in‑person, laboratory‑based work.
About the role: The post will underpin our activities in droplets and aerosol dispersion characteristics, particularly as it may relate to transmission of airborne disease in hospitals. A background in basic thermofluid sciences and optical diagnostics will be the main emphasis. Examples include investigating flow characteristics, aerosol dispersion, development of novel atomisation and flow diagnostics, and aerodynamics characteristics. The post‑holder will need to have deep knowledge of thermofluid sciences, rheology and laser‑based flow diagnostics. The measurements will be complemented by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) developed by other project members, and fed into the development of an artificial intelligence platform to rapidly predict fluid mechanics of droplet dispersion and/or impact physics in hospital environments.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and harness aerosol generation & characterization rigs.
- Design fluid mechanics experiments for aero‑sampling, particle counting, and laser‑based flow characterization.
- Serve as optical diagnostics and laser‑based thermofluids expert for the team and actively engage in related health and safety responsibilities.
- Perform materials & rheological characterization, data acquisition/processing & interpretation.
- Actively initiate, partake in, and/or lead public engagement activities.
- Provide engineering support in the clinical trial.
- Contribute to periodical research progress reports and presentations as part of project deliverables.
- Support wider affiliated centres and institutes and be involved in seminar series, public engagement, tutorials, and other activities.
- Deliver publications or other research outputs in line with personal objectives agreed with line manager.
- Carry out any other duties (such as teaching) as requested by the line manager.
About you: We are keen to accept qualifications for holders of PhDs (or candidates whose PhDs are near completion) in fluid mechanics and/or related areas. It is essential that you have an excellent track record of research in fluid mechanics and flow diagnostics technologies and good communication skills.
Qualifications:
- Expertise in fluid mechanics and experimental flow diagnostics technologies.
- Notable publications in one or more areas ranging from fluid mechanics and mixing dynamics measurements to aerosol dispersions.
- Programming, and data acquisition and analysis using software tools such as Matlab, Python, Labview, etc.
- Interest in contributing to the pertinent teaching (UG/PG) and PhD supervision activities.
- Ability to support preparation of research proposals to secure external funding.
What we offer:
- 41 days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days).
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme.
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE).
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan.
- Relocation scheme for certain posts.
- On‑site gym.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be under‑represented in UCL’s workforce, including people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Research Fellow in Fluid Mechanics - Aerosol Droplets Dispersion and Impact employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the field of fluid mechanics and aerosol research. With generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth through public engagement and teaching, UCL fosters an inclusive environment where diverse talents can thrive. Located in London, employees enjoy access to world-class resources and a supportive community dedicated to advancing health and safety in clinical settings.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Fluid Mechanics - Aerosol Droplets Dispersion and Impact
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at UK Dementia Research Institute, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like UK Dementia Research Institute. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Fluid Mechanics - Aerosol Droplets Dispersion and Impact
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at UK Dementia Research Institute. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at UK Dementia Research Institute. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at UK Dementia Research Institute. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at UK Dementia Research Institute to drive research projects forward.
