Research Fellow in Vehicle Aerodynamics

Position Details

• Department: School of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,942 to £40,322, with potential progression once in post to £42,792
• Grade 7
• Fixed term contract for up to 24 months
• Full time

Background

The University of Birmingham is conducting an EPSRC funded research programme to understand the unsteady aerodynamic interaction of close running ground vehicles and other road users, for a range of operational conditions, including vehicles overtaking (EPSRC EP/V010689/1). Hosted by the School of Engineering, the Research Fellow will conduct a model-scale experimental research programme at the University of Birmingham moving model TRAIN rig facility. The successful applicant will contribute to the creation of knowledge through detailed data analysis, whilst also playing an important role in the dissemination of findings, working closely with industrial partners.

Summary of Role

• Work as part of a team, alongside industrial partners, to support the delivery of the research programme.
• Carry out aerodynamic experiments and analyse results.
• Model the effects of vehicle aerodynamic flows on a broad range of road users.
• Disseminate findings among project consortium and in the public domain.
• Contribute to knowledge exchange for exploitation of the project outcomes.
• Contribute to broader areas of project management, writing of research bids, and supervision of students in related research activities.

Main Duties

Responsibilities will include:

• Collect research data from physical model experiments on the University of Birmingham moving model TRAIN Rig in Derby, and full scale experiments in wind engineering and vehicle aerodynamics at a range of locations outside Birmingham.
• Analyse the data from the above measurements.
• Commission experimentation instrumentation in line with facility improvements.
• Present research outputs, including helping to write academic papers.
• Support the dissemination of academic work both at an academic and industry level.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any PhD students who may be assisting with the research.
• Travel from time to time as required by the research programme.

Person Specification

Essential

• First degree in engineering, applied mathematics or physics, or related discipline.
• Doctorate in relevant research area or equivalent industrial experience/qualifications.
• High level analytical capability.
• Ability in analysis and modelling of fluids.
• Ability to design, modify and operate experimental equipment, and to make and interpret observations reliably.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research project.
• Co-ordinate own work with others to work effectively towards overall project objectives and meet agreed deadlines.
• Ability to identify and learn new techniques, through self-study, training and/or continued professional development.

Desirable

• Experience in working with experimental instrumentation and conducting aerodynamic studies.
• Informal enquires to David Soper - d.soper@bham.ac.uk

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community '

Valuing excellence; sustaining investment