College / Directorate
Brunel Centre for Advance Solidification Technology
Full Time / Part Time
Full Time
Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST) – Brunel University of London (BUL) / ESR Technology Ltd (ESR)
Location: 202 Cavendish Place, Birchwood Park, Birchwood, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6WU
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Hours: Full-time
Contract Type: Fixed term 36 months
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer, physicist or sensor technologist to work at the forefront of predictive maintenance technology, developing an innovative gas-phase Lubricant Condition Monitoring System (LCMS) for high-value industrial vacuum pump applications.
Based primarily at ESR Technology, you will develop and validate sensing technologies capable of detecting lubricant degradation products in vacuum pump bearings operating in harsh vacuum environments. You will design and conduct laboratory and field experiments, analyse sensor data, and develop health indicators that enable predictive maintenance.
Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with experts in sensor technology, vacuum systems and electronics to develop, test and deploy a novel condition monitoring solution. The role will involve sensor selection, prototype development, system validation and preparation for future commercialisation.
This role is delivered through a 36-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Brunel University London and ESR Technology Ltd, providing a structured environment for professional development, advanced training, and close collaboration between industry and academia.
The Company
ESR Technology Ltd is a specialist engineering consultancy providing tribological consultancy and lubricant test capabilities across a diverse range of industries including space and vacuum. The company works across energy, infrastructure transport, space and other industrial sectors, delivering expert support and developing innovative solutions for real-world applications.
The University
Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits. For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home
The KTP is led from within BCAST which is an academic research centre dedicated to fundamental and applied research on condition monitoring systems, solidification of metallic materials and Non-Destructive Testing.
The candidate
The Associate will have a strong background in engineering, physics, materials science, tribology or a related discipline, ideally holding a PhD or an MSc with relevant industrial or research experience.
The successful candidate should have experience in experimental research, data analysis and technology development. Knowledge of sensors, instrumentation, electronics, condition monitoring systems or data acquisition would be advantageous, while programming skills (Python, MATLAB or similar) are desirable.
The candidate will be comfortable working across multiple technical disciplines, from laboratory research and prototype development through to testing, validation and industrial deployment.
The Associate must be capable of working effectively between a university and an industrial partner, managing activities across multidisciplinary teams. Strong communication skills, an organised approach to project delivery, and the ability to work independently are essential.
Benefits
The position offers the following benefits:
- A £6,000 personal development budget and access to Innovate UK sponsored training courses.
- 10% of working time allocated to development activities throughout the project.
- Access to BUL’s resources.
- The potential for career development with the company, continuing to lead lubricant condition monitoring activities and system evolution based on the system developed within the project.
Closing date for applications: 13 August 2026
If you have any technical issues, contact us at: [email protected].
Brunel University London has a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to promote and achieve a fully inclusive workforce to reflect our community.
