Area
Engineering
Location
University Park
Salary
£32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).
Closing Date
Wednesday 09 September 2026
Reference
ENG990326
About the role
Are you passionate about shaping the future of sustainable propulsion? Do you want to deliver cutting-edge research that will help drive the transition to net zero transport? Join the Powertrain Research Centre as a Research Associate/Fellow and play a leading role in pioneering the next generation of decarbonised propulsion technologies.
In this exciting position, you will lead and deliver both independent and collaborative research within the rapidly evolving field of decarbonised propulsion, helping to define and influence the future direction of our research portfolio. Working alongside world-leading experts and partners, you will generate new knowledge, develop innovative concepts, and translate research excellence into real-world impact.
A key focus of the role will be advancing research in hybridised alternative-fuelled propulsion engines, where you will develop novel ideas, explore emerging technologies, and create solutions to some of the sector's most pressing challenges. You will be encouraged to think creatively, challenge conventional approaches, and identify opportunities for future research growth.
As part of this role, you will also contribute to securing the future of our research by developing compelling funding proposals and supporting successful research bids. You will share your discoveries with the wider scientific community through high-quality, peer-reviewed publications and establish a strong reputation within an internationally recognised research environment.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious researcher looking to make a significant impact in the transition to clean, sustainable propulsion systems while advancing their academic and professional career.
About the team
You will join the Powertrain Research Centre (PRC), one of the UK's leading propulsion research groups, led by Professor Alasdair Cairns, and work closely with Professor Antonino La Rocca. You'll become part of a collaborative and supportive team that includes Research Fellows, PhD researchers, and specialist technicians, all working together to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the transport sector.
We are at the forefront of developing decarbonised propulsion solutions for heavy-duty transport, delivering impactful research that supports the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Our research portfolio includes:
- Advanced engine retrofit technologies, including innovative dual fuel and alternative-fuel concepts.
- High-efficiency, low-emission combustion systems, such as advanced ignition strategies and jet ignition technologies that unlock new levels of engine performance and sustainability.
- A substantial and growing research programme, supported by an active funding portfolio of approximately £12 million, with strong engagement from industry, government, and academic partners.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to world-leading research, work with cutting-edge facilities, and help shape the future of sustainable heavy-duty propulsion.
About you
You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in an appropriate field (for example, advanced IC engine combustion or, ideally, in the field of decarbonised propulsion and the impact of oil formulation on emissions), or be close to completion.
You should have expertise in IC engine combustion theory and practice, experience of low/zero carbon fuels in engines and a successful track record of multidisciplinary research with both industry and academic partners. Ideally, you will also have experience in the design on ammonia fuel lines.
You will be a highly motivated, self starting individual with excellent communication skills and the ability to work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
What we offer
- A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
- Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
- We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities. This includes our commitment to the Researcher Development Concordat and the use of up to 10 working days per year for development activities.
- You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website What next- this section should focus on what is expected of the candidate.
Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details. This is a fixed-term position for 12 months from the start date. Your working hours will be (36.25 hours per week).
Please contact Professor Antonino La Rocca ([email protected] if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
