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- Tasks: Design and develop innovative magnetic suspension systems for wind tunnels.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days' annual leave, generous pension schemes, and free access to university facilities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent personal development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research and collaborate with top institutions.
- Qualifications: PhD/DPhil in mechatronic engineering or related fields with strong system design experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking a talented and driven Post-doctoral Research Assistant to join the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 24 months, based at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute in Osney Mead. Working in collaboration with colleagues from Imperial College London, you will undertake the design, development and commissioning of new magnetic balance and suspension systems (MSBS) which will be part of the UK National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF). The MSBS electromagnetically suspends aerodynamic models against gravity and aerodynamic forces. This system will operate across a range of wind tunnel facilities, offering unrivalled opportunities for making interference-free measurements of time-dependent forces.
The role includes responsibility for the overall design, implementation and commissioning of the Oxford MSBS and its sub-systems. You will lead the detailed specification and design of the major components including power amplifiers, model position and attitude detection system, calibration methods, and control and safety architecture. You will work collaboratively with a senior research fellow and doctoral student from Imperial College London, coordinate external contractors and suppliers and help ensure delivery of the project. Once operational you will have responsibility for calibrating and characterizing the system performance, implementing and improving data analysis techniques, and undertaking novel experiments to demonstrate its capabilities. You will contribute to sponsor reporting and external briefings and support the wider research ambitions of the Oxford Thermofluids Institute.
In addition to the core facility development programme, you will have scope to pursue complementary research activities, contribute to publications and funding proposals, and engage in collaborative projects within the UK and internationally. You will hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be near completion, having submitted your thesis) in mechatronic engineering or a sufficiently related discipline (e.g. electronic, electromagnetic, electromechanical engineering, physics, control engineering). You should have a strong track record of system design and integration, ideally including electromagnet design. You will have experience planning and managing substantial engineering or research projects, including budget oversight and milestone delivery, and confidence supervising junior engineers or researchers.
You will bring a careful and methodical approach to problem-solving, with the ability to design complex systems and analyse measurement data. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to produce technical reports, drawings or schematics, present at conferences, and represent the programme in technical briefings with stakeholders.
At the University of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges. The other benefits include:
- Travel: We have several travel schemes available for staff which promote sustainable modes of transport.
- Family friendly benefits: We aim to be a family-friendly employer and offer a range of flexible working options. We have some of the most generous family leave provision in the Higher Education sector.
- Sports: We have several schemes to help you stay fit and healthy, including discounted membership of the university sports centre on the Iffley Road.
- Personal and professional development: We actively encourage all staff to participate in planning their personal and professional development and provide a broad range of opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential.
- University club: All staff are entitled to free membership of the University Club. It offers social and hospitality facilities, a small gym and exercise classes.
- Staff discounts: University staff can access shopping discounts in several ways; by purchasing a TOTUM card, by showing an employee pass in selected local stores, or online by using any of the listed discount codes.
- Childcare services: We offer excellent childcare services including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at other local private nurseries.
Post-doctoral Research Assistant in Magnetic Suspension Technology for Wind Tunnels in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Post-doctoral Research Assistant in Magnetic Suspension Technology for Wind Tunnels in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the engineering and research fields, especially those connected to the University of Oxford or Imperial College London. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into magnetic suspension technology. Brush up on your knowledge about electromagnet design and system integration. We want you to impress them with your expertise and passion for the subject!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! Be ready to discuss how you've worked with teams in the past, especially in managing projects or supervising junior researchers. Highlighting your teamwork skills will make you stand out.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Post-doctoral Research Assistant in Magnetic Suspension Technology for Wind Tunnels in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in mechatronic engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving system design and integration. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about magnetic suspension technology and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don't forget to mention any collaborative projects you've been involved in!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, make sure to demonstrate them in your application. Whether it's through clear technical writing in your CV or engaging storytelling in your cover letter, we want to see how you can convey complex ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of magnetic suspension technology and its applications in wind tunnels. Brush up on your knowledge of electromagnet design, system integration, and data analysis techniques. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous projects, especially those involving system design and project management. Highlight any experience you have with supervising junior engineers or researchers, as this is crucial for the role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and how you've successfully delivered on milestones.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since this position involves working closely with colleagues from Imperial College London, be ready to discuss your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've worked in teams, coordinated with external contractors, or contributed to joint research projects. This will illustrate your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you may need to present to stakeholders or write technical reports. Show that you can engage with both technical and non-technical audiences.