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- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking research team to develop innovative cooling systems for high-energy physics.
- Company: University of Bath, renowned for its commitment to diversity and cutting-edge research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advanced manufacturing and collaborate with experts at CERN.
- Qualifications: PhD candidates nearing completion with a passion for research and innovation.
- Other info: Access world-class facilities and enjoy a supportive, family-friendly workplace.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 £ per year.
About the role
Here at the University of Bath, we are looking for a Research Associate to join us working on the exciting AM4CMS programme, a major international research initiative. The AM4CMS programme is focused on revolutionising thermal management through additive manufacturing (AM) and generative design. Its primary application is the development of advanced two-phase CO2 cooling systems for CERN’s Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector, a flagship experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). CMS operates under extreme thermal and spatial constraints, requiring innovative cooling solutions to maintain detector performance during its upgrade programme. CO2 is an environmentally friendly refrigerant with excellent thermophysical properties, but its adoption in high-energy physics and other sectors is limited by the complexity of manifold design and manufacturing.
Conventional methods cannot reliably produce the intricate geometries required for stable two-phase flow under low temperatures (180 bar). AM4CMS addresses these challenges by integrating generative design algorithms, advanced fluid modelling, and metal AM processes to create optimised manifold architectures tailored for CMS requirements. The Research Associate position is central to delivering the experimental capability underpinning the programme.
Over two years, the Research Associate will design, manufacture, and commission a bespoke CO2 cooling rig during the first 12 months, based primarily at the University of Bath with extended secondments to CERN. The second year will focus on fluid modelling and experimental validation and involve collaboration with CERN and the University of Bergamo, working closely with a PhD student who will integrate these insights into generative design workflows.
The role offers access to world-class facilities, including CERN’s LUCASZ cooling infrastructure, and the opportunity to contribute to CMS operations during secondments. This is a unique opportunity to advance cutting-edge research in additive manufacturing, thermofluid systems, and high-energy physics, with significant potential for impact across aerospace, energy, and healthcare sectors.
Further Information
This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) two year fixed term basis from March 2026 to March 2028. For an informal conversation about the role please contact Alexander Lunt.
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year. A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
The successful candidate will collaborate with leading experts across Bath, CERN and the University of Bergamo, supported by technical staff and embedded within the DDR8 community. We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university.
We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment. We are very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
What we can offer you
We are continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work.
Closing Date: 17 Feb 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
Research Associate (KP13402) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
Contact Detail:
University of Bath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (KP13402) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Bath, especially those involved in the AM4CMS programme. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the specifics of the role. Brush up on additive manufacturing and fluid modelling concepts, and think about how your skills align with the challenges mentioned in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for research! During interviews, share your excitement about working on innovative cooling solutions and how you can contribute to the CMS detector project. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values diversity and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (KP13402) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the AM4CMS programme. We want to see your passion for thermal management and additive manufacturing shine through!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role is all about research, don’t forget to include any relevant projects or publications. We love seeing how you’ve tackled complex problems in the past, especially if they relate to high-energy physics or fluid modelling.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the AM4CMS programme and its significance in thermal management and additive manufacturing. Brush up on the technical aspects of CO2 cooling systems and generative design, as well as the challenges faced in high-energy physics. This will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with experts from CERN and the University of Bergamo, be prepared to discuss your previous collaborative experiences. Highlight any projects where teamwork was essential, especially in research settings, and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team dynamics, and the specific challenges of the AM4CMS programme. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career aspirations and values.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
The role requires flexibility, especially with secondments to CERN. Share examples of how you've adapted to new environments or tackled unexpected challenges in past projects. This will reassure the interviewers that you're ready for the dynamic nature of the work.
