Organisation
Cranfield University
Faculty or Department
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Based at
Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work
37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered
Contract type
Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period
Fixed Term Contract for 3 years
Salary
Salary Level 5 range £38,655 to £46,492 per annum
We welcome applications from talented researchers to join our Gas Turbine Engineering group who want to make a significant impact on the shape and future direction of our Centre’s portfolio of activities in the area of thermo-fluid simulations for use in propulsion system architectures utilising advanced multi-phase flow methods.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to research on a project supporting the move of aviation towards zero emissions, as part of a team within the Centre for Aeronautics, Propulsion and Power and specifically the Rolls-Royce UTC in Aero Systems Design, Integration and Performance. This role will contribute to the development of various systems used in propulsion architectures. You will be working in advanced computational fluid dynamic modelling and assessment of thermo-fluids systems for aviation, focusing on icing in aircraft fuel systems.
About You
You will be educated to post-doctoral level in a relevant subject with the necessary technical knowledge and experience such as multi-phase flow, flow modelling at different levels of fidelity, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), aero-thermodynamics of power and propulsion systems, heat and mass transfer, thermo-fluid systems simulation and programming, as well as exposure to software platforms and algorithms for advanced numerical simulations. You will have experience in composing project deliverables, delivering effective presentations, and be able to assist in project integration workshops and other meetings. With good communication skills, you will also be a good team player. Project planning is also an important skill for this post along with the ability to demonstrate self-motivation, perseverance, and initiative.
About Us
As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.
Aerospace and Aviation is at the heart of Cranfield’s global research airport and is renowned throughout the world for its teaching and research. Cranfield Aerospace centres are the powerhouses of our world class research, driving technological and conceptual advances in aeronautics, propulsion & power, cyber-physical systems and intelligent automation. Through the strong links with industry built over the past 75 years, we focus on defining and delivering the aircraft, airport and airspace management of the future and are the only university in Europe with our own airport and air traffic control capability. Find out more about our work here About Aerospace.
The Centre for Aeronautics, Propulsion and Power at Cranfield University brings together world-leading expertise in aircraft design, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, propulsion, and thermal power systems within a single, integrated structure. Formed through the merger of the former Centres for Aeronautics and Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering, it creates a unique whole-system capability spanning airframe and propulsion disciplines
The Centre addresses the full lifecycle of aerospace and energy systems—from conceptual design and advanced simulation to experimental validation and operational performance. With a strong industry-embedded approach, extensive research activity, and a vibrant postgraduate community, it is positioned as one of Europe’s leading academic hubs in sustainable aviation and advanced propulsion. Its mission is to develop next-generation low-emission, high-efficiency air systems and to educate the engineers who will deliver net-zero aviation and sustainable energy solutions worldwide.
Our Values and Commitments
Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.
We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.
Working Arrangements
Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
How to apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr David John Rajendran, Senior Lecturer in Aero System Design, at [email protected].
Interviews to be held 28 August 2026.
