Overview
Research Associate (KP13408) – Bath, BA2 7AY
About the role
The Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking to recruit a Research Associate to advance the understanding of sealing technology in next generation gas turbines. The project is funded in collaboration with Siemens Energy (UK, Germany and USA), a leading manufacturer and supplier of gas turbine technology.
We are looking for a driven and capable individual, either with a PhD or industrial R&D experience to lead a high-impact project developing a new generation of sealing technology in next generation gas turbine engines.
Why consider this role?
If you’re already established in industry, this position could offer you a way to apply your experience in a project that could shape the future of green energy technology. As the Research Associate, you’ll lead a technically ambitious project with real-world application and long-term value. You’ll have the chance to:
- Take ownership of a major research project to advance the understanding of fluid-dynamics and heat transfer in next generation gas turbines
- Work at the intersection of academia and industry with support from both
- Develop your skills in leadership, innovation, and strategic technical development
- Gain access to training and a personal development allowance
- Broaden your professional network through interaction with industrial partners
This role offers the autonomy of an academic position, with the added benefits of structured support and mentoring.
About the Project
The goal is to test new, innovative engine components to optimise cooling systems. The successful completion and implementation of this research will improve engine design methods at Siemens for next-generation hydrogen-compatible energy-production gas turbines. You’ll further the understanding of fundamental challenge for engine designers that will reduce environmental impact and improve performance in a critical technology sector.
What you’ll need
- A PhD in a relevant engineering field or experience in industrial R&D
- Experience with modelling and simulation tools such as Matlab
- Proficiency in CAD
- Confidence working independently and engaging with multiple stakeholder
Further Information
This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term for 12 months basis.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Dr James Scobie on jas28@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.
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: 01 Mar 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.
