Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Experimental Hypersonics
Salary
£39,424 - £47,779 per annum
Closing date
Nov 07, 2025 12:00PM
Description
About the roleWe are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the Hypersonics research group at the Department of Engineering Science, Osney. The post is fixed for 19 months with potential further extension, subject to confirmed funding.
You will lead experiments in the OPG arc-jet/plasma wind tunnel, developing and commissioning facility upgrades (higher-power operation, new nozzles/test articles), intrusive probes, and optical diagnostics. You’ll plan and run test campaigns, analyse data to advance understanding of material–flow interaction, and disseminate results in seminars, journals, and international conferences. The role is collaborative: you’ll work closely with our partners at Keimyung University (Korea) and travel regularly for joint test campaigns.
About you
You should hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be near completion) with experience in high-speed/high-enthalpy wind tunnels. You should have a strong publication record and familiarity with existing literature in hypersonic/high-enthalpy ground testing. Applicants should have expertise in undertaking and analysing experiments in high-speed/high-enthalpy wind tunnels. The applicant should have the ability to independently plan and manage experimental test campaigns. You should be motivated to work in a dynamic environment, have the ability to self-manage, and be driven to support research within the wider group, liaising with external sponsors and collaborators as required. You will be expected to travel regularly to this project’s partner institution, Keimyung University, Korea.
What we offer
At the university of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a number of 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.
How to apply
Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two academic references.
The position is a full-time fixed term post available for 19 months.
The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 07 November 2025.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Associate Professor Tobias Hermann: tobias.hermann@eng.ox.ac.uk
Further information can be found at www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/
Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. The Department is committed to equality and valuing diversity and holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality in academia. The University is a Living Wage Employer, holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, an HR Excellence in Research and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we seek to create a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through our EDI Committee, working groups and networks, for example eng.ox.ac.uk/women-in-engineering, as well as a number of family friendly policies.
Contact name
Associate Professor Tobias Hermann
Contact email
tobias.hermann@eng.ox.ac.uk
The job description is available via the Apply Now button