United Kingdom
Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Ice Deposition
Salary
£39,424 - £47,779 per annum
Closing date
Sep 18, 2026 12:00PM
Description
About the roleWe are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the Oxford Particles Research Group at the Department of Engineering Science (based at the Osney Thermofluids Institute). The position is initially fixed term for 36 months, working on modelling aircraft engine icing and analysing experimental test results in collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc.
In this post you will work to generate high fidelity models of ice crystal icing shedding, verifying tools using a wealth of unique experimental validation data generated by researchers at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute and Rolls-Royce plc. This is a multi-physics problem spanning multi-phase fluid dynamics, heat transfer, solid mechanics and materials. The tools will be applied to real turbomachinery components and subsystems.
You will work closely with collaborators from Rolls-Royce plc and the OTI.
About you
You should possess a university PhD degree in mechanical engineering or a similar discipline, preferably with experience of mixed phase numerical or analytical flow modelling / solid mechanics / material characterization. Experience of analysing experimental data is highly desirable. You should have a record of academic publications in the field and be able to work well within a large team of experienced researchers.
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 36 months with possibility of extension.
The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 18 September 2026.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. David Gillespie: david.gillespie@eng.ox.ac.uk or Dr. Natan Zawadzki natan.zawadzki@eng.ox.ac.uk
Further information can be found at http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/jobs/home
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
Prof. David Gillespie
Contact email
david.gillespie@eng.ox.ac.uk
The job description is available via the Apply Now button