Research Assistant in Composites for Liquid Hydrogen Storage

We welcome applications from those interested in this exciting Research Assistant post with the necessary knowledge & skills to carry out research work in the development and design of a multifunctional composite liquid hydrogen storage tank.

About the Role

This is a project involving working closely with the Aerospace industry, dealing with the development of tools, models and methods for the design and optimisation of liquid hydrogen storage system. The developments in the overall project include tank design and functionality, fuel gauging and sensing, fluid dynamics modelling of fuel behaviour, thermal management and system integration. The post holder will focus on the design of a multi-material composite structure with optimal thermomechanical response, incorporating layers of specialised functionality such as high-level insulation, leak detection, active heating and fuel monitoring.

About You

We are interested in hearing from you if you have knowledge and experience in the areas of finite element analysis, composites and carbon nanocomposites, thermomechanical behaviour of polymers and heat transfer. You must also hold a Master’s degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar field. In addition to research activities, the successful applicant will work closely with project partners, present the outcomes of their research in project meetings and prepare deliverable reports and journal publications. Ability to communicate clearly at a technical level and capability of clearly summarising objectives and achievements for briefing colleagues and project partners is also essential.

About Us

The Composites and Advanced Materials Centre is an established partner to manufacturers and members of their supply chains through research, consultancy and short courses. The Centre has established a leading reputation specialising in polymer composites manufacturing, process simulation and optimisation, functional materials and nanocomposites, lightweight design and multilateral composite solutions. The Centre includes the Cranfield Composites Manufacturing Lab, focusing on the investigation and development of novel processing technology for lightweight structures, Cranfield Nanomaterials Manufacturing Lab, with state-of-the-art reactor technology for continuous production of nano carbon films, yarns and wires and Thermal and Thermomechanical Analysis Suite with the latest most advanced in the country testing equipment.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of civil aviation decarbonisation and accelerate entry into service of large LH₂-fuelled aircraft. You will contribute to sustainable aviation advances by designing aircraft systems and control for hydrogen-powered aircrafts.

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.

Find out more about Cranfield Manufacturing (which includes major activities in Materials) here.

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 and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. 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, please contact Alex Skordos, Reader in Composites Process Science

E: a.a.skordos@cranfield.ac.uk or T: +44 7946708666.

Apply online now. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: hrrecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 4287.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 28 November 2022