Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team studying fluid mechanics and laser diagnostics in atomizing sprays.
- Company: Be part of the University of Edinburgh, a world-leading research institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and comprehensive staff benefits including discounts and pension schemes.
- Why this job: Contribute to impactful research on synthetic fuels while collaborating with talented PhDs and researchers.
- Qualifications: Must have a PhD in Engineering or relevant fields and experience with laser diagnostics in sprays.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role for up to 24 months, with opportunities for international applicants.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
Grade UE07: £41,064-£48,822 per annum
School of Engineering, College of Science & Engineering / Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids
Full-Time: 35 hours per week
Fixed-Term: up to 24 months
We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher associate (PDRA) who has appreciable experience with laser diagnostics and spray atomization for fundamental studies of primary breakup of synthetic liquid fuels including ammonia.
The Opportunity
This Research Associate position will contribute to the project \’Unresolved fluid mechanics at liquid/gas interfaces for primary breakup of atomizing sprays\’ within the Institute of Multiscale Thermofluids at the University of Edinburgh, which is funded by the European Research Council.
This project focuses on experimental measurements to study the fluid mechanics associated with primary atomization for a variety liquids and bespoke nozzles. This portion of the project will place more emphasis on synthetic fuels, such as ammonia, which are prone to flash boiling. This project utilizes imaging methods such as ballistic imaging and two-photon LIF to image intact liquid structures within a spray, and combines this imaging with wavelet-based optical flow to measure the velocity and acceleration distributions associated with liquid structures. Systematic studies will be performed to understand the primary breakup behaviour for flashing and non-flashing operation, and compare these dynamics with other liquid fuels. In-nozzle imaging will also be considered using transparent nozzles to correlate the near-field breakup behaviour with the liquid behaviour exiting the nozzle.
We are hiring a PDRA with experience with laser diagnostics in sprays. Candidates with experience in optical flow can also be considered. Candidates without experience with laser diagnostics will not be considered. Strong candidates will exhibit the ability to learn new diagnostics and image processing methods (e.g., wOFV) and apply them to optically dense sprays. Candidates must have their PhD in Engineering or other relevant fields. The candidate will join two PhDs and another PDRA working within the realms of 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 for fluid mechanics research
- Experience in spray research
- Strong track-record in publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals
- Experience or theoretical knowledge of optical flow
- Strong understanding of fluid mechanics and multiphase flows
A full list of main responsibilities and the knowledge, skills and experience required for the role can be found in the full job description below.
Click to view a copy of the full job description
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, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits
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 24 September 2025.
Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.
Interviews will be held directly after shortlisting candidates
About Us
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow\’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About the Team
The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) is one of the largest and highest-ranked STEM groupings in the UK. Headed by Professor Iain Gordon, CSE comprises seven Schools (Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, GeoSciences, Informatics, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy) as well as a national supercomputing centre (the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre) and the Bayes Centre for interdisciplinary data science and innovation. We extend beyond the University through many joint activities – for example we host the cross-Scotland DataLab innovation Centre, we are a founding partner in the Scottish Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, and we are a partner in UK-wide collaborations including the Alan Turing Institute and the Rosalind Franklin Institute. Most Schools are located 2 miles south of the city centre at the King\\\’s Buildings whilst Informatics, EPCC, Bayes and sections of GeoSciences are located in the University\\\’s Central Area near George Square. The College has over 3,000 academic and support staff, and educates around 7,000 undergraduates, almost 1,500 taught postgraduates and more than 2,000 research students.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Associate in Advanced Laser Diagnostics Investigating the Fluid Mechanics of Primary Breaku employer: University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Advanced Laser Diagnostics Investigating the Fluid Mechanics of Primary Breaku
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in laser diagnostics and spray atomization. This will not only help you understand the project better but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of fluid mechanics and laser diagnostics. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet researchers and potentially get insights into the role and the team dynamics.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, especially those related to fluid mechanics and multiphase flows. Be ready to explain how your skills align with the specific requirements of this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to learn new diagnostic methods by discussing any past experiences where you adapted to new technologies or techniques. This will demonstrate your willingness to grow and contribute to the project effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Advanced Laser Diagnostics Investigating the Fluid Mechanics of Primary Breaku
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with laser diagnostics and spray atomization. Include specific projects or research that demonstrate your expertise in fluid mechanics, especially related to synthetic fuels.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the project. Discuss how your background aligns with the requirements, particularly your experience with imaging methods and optical flow. Be sure to mention any relevant publications.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills in laser diagnostics, fluid mechanics, and multiphase flows. If you have experience with image processing methods like wavelet-based optical flow, make sure to include that as well.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Showcase Your Laser Diagnostics Experience
Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with laser diagnostics during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you applied these techniques, especially in relation to fluid mechanics and spray atomization.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Optical Flow
Since candidates with experience in optical flow are also considered, brush up on your theoretical knowledge and practical applications of this method. Be ready to explain how you would apply optical flow techniques to analyse liquid structures in sprays.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to fluid mechanics and multiphase flows. Review key concepts and be ready to discuss how they relate to the primary breakup of synthetic fuels, particularly ammonia.
✨Discuss Your Research Publications
Be prepared to talk about your previous research and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Highlight any relevant studies that align with the project’s focus on experimental measurements and imaging methods.
