Research Associate in Advanced Laser Diagnostics Investigating the Fluid Mechanics of Primary Breakup

University of Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh Midlothian
  • £41,064-48,822 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 18 hours ago
Job Category: AcademicJob Description:Grade UE07: £41,064-£48,822 per annumSchool of Engineering, College of Science & Engineering / Institute for Multiscale ThermofluidsFull-Time: 35 hours per weekFixed-Term: up to 24 monthsWe are looking for a post-doctoral researcher associate (PDRA) who has appreciable experience with laser diagnostics and spray atomization for fundamental studies of primary breakup of synthetic liquid fuels including ammonia.The Opportunity:This Research Associate position will contribute to the project 'Unresolved fluid mechanics at liquid/gas interfaces for primary breakup of atomizing sprays' within the Institute of Multiscale Thermofluids at the University of Edinburgh, which is funded by the European Research Council.This project focuses on experimental measurements to study the fluid mechanics associated with primary atomization for a variety liquids and bespoke nozzles. This portion of the project will place more emphasis on synthetic fuels, such as ammonia, which are prone to flash boiling. This project utilizes imaging methods such as ballistic imaging and two-photon LIF to image intact liquid structures within a spray, and combines this imaging with wavelet-based optical flow to measure the velocity and acceleration distributions associated with liquid structures. Systematic studies will be performed to understand the primary breakup behaviour for flashing and non-flashing operation, and compare these dynamics with other liquid fuels. In-nozzle imaging will also be considered using transparent nozzles to correlate the near-field breakup behaviour with the liquid behaviour exiting the nozzle.We are hiring a PDRA with experience with laser diagnostics in sprays. Candidates with experience in optical flow can also be considered. Candidates without experience with laser diagnostics will not be considered. Strong candidates will exhibit the ability to learn new diagnostics and image processing methods (e.g., wOFV) and apply them to optically dense sprays. Candidates must have their PhD in Engineering or other relevant fields. The candidate will join two PhDs and another PDRA working within the realms of this project.This role is UE07 and is available on a fixed term basis for up to 24 months.Your skills and attributes for success:
  • Proven track record with laser diagnostics for fluid mechanics research
  • Experience in spray research
  • Strong track-record in publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals
  • Experience or theoretical knowledge of optical flow
  • Strong understanding of fluid mechanics and multiphase flows
A full list of main responsibilities and the knowledge, skills and experience required for the role can be found in the full job description below.Click to view a copy of the fullAs a valued member of our team you can expect:
  • A competitive salary
  • An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
  • To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
  • Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our
(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefitsChampioning equality, diversity and inclusionThe University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our (opens new browser tab).The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.Key dates to noteThe closing date for applications is 24 September 2025.Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.Interviews will be held directly after shortlisting candidatesAbout Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.About the Team:The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) is one of the largest and highest-ranked STEM groupings in the UK. Headed by Professor Iain Gordon, CSE comprises seven Schools (Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, GeoSciences, Informatics, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy) as well as a national supercomputing centre (the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre) and the Bayes Centre for interdisciplinary data science and innovation. We extend beyond the University through many joint activities - for example we host the cross-Scotland DataLab innovation Centre, we are a founding partner in the Scottish Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, and we are a partner in UK-wide collaborations including the Alan Turing Institute and the Rosalind Franklin Institute. Most Schools are located 2 miles south of the city centre at the King's Buildings whilst Informatics, EPCC, Bayes and sections of GeoSciences are located in the University's Central Area near George Square. The College has over 3,000 academic and support staff, and educates around 7,000 undergraduates, almost 1,500 taught postgraduates and more than 2,000 research students.

University of Edinburgh