Research Associate in Electrical Machines and Drives for Net Zero Aerospace Pump Systems

This research associate post is based in the Power and Energy Division within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The Power and Energy Division specialises in high voltage technologies, energy networks, power conversion / electrical drives and power electronics and is the largest UK academic group in this area with a long-standing international reputation for power engineering. This project (HyFIVE) is funded by GKN Aerospace / INNOVATE (ATI). HyFIVE is a strategic industrial research programme to develop and test a liquid-hydrogen (LH2) fuel system, led by a UK based consortium of major aerospace suppliers. HyFIVE will demonstrate a first-of-kind Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) aerospace fuel system, building on the UK's existing expertise in aerospace fuel systems and cryogenic research. The consortium partners aspire to develop a liquid hydrogen fuel distribution and storage system to make the UK a global leader in hydrogen fuel systems technology. GKN Aerospace within HyFIVE will lead the cryogenic pump motor technology as a key system component within the LH2 fuel distribution and delivery system. This work stream is a collaborative project with the University of Manchester and the University of Bath. The team at Manchester will be responsible for developing novel cryogenic electrical drive technologies for the primary LH2 fuel distribution pumps. The focus will be on high-performance sealless motor drive technologies capable of pumping cryogenic fluids. The motor technology will be fault-tolerant using the latest embedded digital sensors and integrated with the platform health management system. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated research assistant looking for a challenging opportunity in the electrification of aerospace and who can communicate and work collaboratively with the academic and industrial partners in this large consortium project.

The applicant will have a PhD in a relevant degree (or about to submit) and / or relevant equivalent experience. Relevant experience in the analysis and design of electrical machines and drives is essential.

What you will get in return :

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here