Overview
Research Associate (KP13402) – Bath, BA2 7AY
About the role
Here at the University of Bath, we are looking for a Research Associate to join us working on the exciting AM4CMS programme a major international research initiative.
The AM4CMS programme initiative is focused on revolutionising thermal management through additive manufacturing (AM) and generative design.
Its primary application is the development of advanced two-phase CO2 cooling systems for CERN’s Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector, a flagship experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
CMS operates under extreme thermal and spatial constraints, requiring innovative cooling solutions to maintain detector performance during its upgrade programme.
CO2 is an environmentally friendly refrigerant with excellent thermophysical properties, but its adoption in high-energy physics and other sectors is limited by the complexity of manifold design and manufacturing.
Conventional methods cannot reliably produce the intricate geometries required for stable two-phase flow under low temperatures (< –40?°C) and high pressures (>180?bar). AM4CMS addresses these challenges by integrating generative design algorithms, advanced fluid modelling, and metal AM processes to create optimised manifold architectures tailored for CMS requirements.
The Research Associate position is central to delivering the experimental capability underpinning the programme.
Over two years, the Research Associate will design, manufacture, and commission a bespoke CO2 cooling rig during the first 12 months, based primarily at the University of Bath with extended secondments to CERN.
The second year will focus on fluid modelling and experimental validation and involve collaboration with CERN and the University of Bergamo, working closely with a PhD student who will integrate these insights into generative design workflows.
The role offers access to world-class facilities, including CERN’s LUCASZ cooling infrastructure, and the opportunity to contribute to CMS operations during secondments.
This is a unique opportunity to advance cutting-edge research in additive manufacturing, thermofluid systems, and high-energy physics, with significant potential for impact across aerospace, energy, and healthcare sectors
Further Information
This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) two year fixed term basis from March 2026 to March 2028
For an informal conversation about the role please contact Alexander Lunt on ajgl20@bath.ac.uk
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.
A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
The successful candidate will collaborate with leading experts across Bath, CERN and the University of Bergamo, supported by technical staff and embedded within the DDR8 community.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
What we can offer you
We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.
Closing Date: 17 Feb 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
