Research Fellow in Cryogenic Fuel Systems
Organisation: Cranfield University
Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type: Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period: Until 30 September 2028
Salary: Full time starting salary (if PhD obtained) is normally in the range of £38,655 per annum; Full time starting salary (if PhD close to completion) is normally in the range of £36,159 per annum
Posted Date: 05/11/2026
Apply by: 29/11/2026
Role Description
We welcome applications from skilled and motivated researchers to design and develop experimental cryogenic fuel research facilities.
About the Role
This role will lead the design, development and operation of novel fuel experimental research facilities. The postholder will act as a primary contact for rig build, safety assurance and day-to-day operation of complex high pressure/temperature experimental rigs supporting research projects.
About You
You will be educated to PhD level (or be nearing completion thereof). You must have experience of experimental rig design and development, including control, instrumentation and data acquisition systems. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of health and safety practices, including risk assessments, COSHH, and safe operation of high-risk facilities involving electrical systems and pressurised or flammable gases. You will have a proven ability to work autonomously, maintain research documentation, and provide leadership within a laboratory or test-rig environment.
About Us
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.
The Centre for Aeronautics, Propulsion and Power, within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, has an established international reputation in gas turbine propulsion and power plant research, as well as aircraft design, aerodynamics and flight control. Its activities span performance simulation, diagnostics, advanced cycles, engine control, combustion, and low-emission technologies, supported by extensive participation in UK and EU-funded programmes and longstanding industrial partnerships. The Centre hosts a large and active community of MSc students, doctoral researchers, and academic and research staff, underpinned by unique experimental facilities and in-house modelling and optimisation tools.
The Low Emission Technologies and Combustion Group, which undertakes experimentally driven research with strong scientific and industrial relevant, operates at the interface between academia and industry, and is supported by major industrial collaborators. Find out more about our work 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. 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 about this opportunity, please contact Dr Neys Schreiner, Lecturer in Low Emission Propulsion & Cryogenic Engineering, on (E): B.Deneys.J.Schreiner@cranfield.ac.uk
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on (E): peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5432.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 29 November 2026
Interviews to be held: Week commencing 7 December 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
