Research Assistant - Marie Curie - 16995

We are seeking to appoint a research assistant who will undertake research towards a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering. The project objectives are to develop models for the design and analysis of turbo-compressors suitable for industrial high temperature heat pumps (IHTHPs). The focus will be on the gas flow path considering non-ideal gas behaviour and multi-stage arrangements. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools will be used for validation.

Position Title: Research Assistant – Marie Curie, Industrial Heat Pump Compressor Design - Gas Flow Path – 16995 

Department/College: Department of Engineering/College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences 

Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus 

Salary: £50,508 per annum inclusive of London Allowance - without any pension contributions 

Hours: Full-time 

Contract Type: Fixed-term for 36 months                                   

Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university. For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home 

The Department of Engineering delivers programmes in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. It has a wide portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate taught and research programmes and is active in delivering transnational education. The department has a thriving research culture with substantial research facilities supporting the delivery of world leading impactful research. 

We are seeking to appoint a research assistant who will undertake research towards a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering. The project objectives are to develop models for the design and analysis of turbo-compressors suitable for industrial high temperature heat pumps (IHTHPs). The focus will be on the gas flow path considering non-ideal gas behaviour and multi-stage arrangements. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools will be used for validation. 

Candidates must hold at least a first degree or a Master-degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant subject. 

This project is part of a Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) ITN aiming to train 15 PhD candidates within the newly funded project: Industrial Decarbonisation Using Innovative Low-Grade Heat Upgrade (HeatMinds). The overall aim of the work programme is to undertake cutting-edge multidisciplinary research and development to make a step change in the understanding of Industrial High Temperature Heat Pump technology. The successful candidate will start on 1 April 2027. 

Candidates must not have worked or studied in the UK in the last three years. 

Requirements to apply

• Completed application form
• CV Europass (https://europa.eu/europass/en/create-europass-cv)
• Analysis of the challenges associated with industrial heat decarbonisation and the potential of innovative IHTHPs to address these challenges, including the needs for technology development (max 3 pages)
• Short video (less than 2min): why I should be selected for the position. The candidates should address some of the following questions:
  • D1: Why did you decide to apply?
  • D2: What do you expect/want to gain from an MSCA programme?
  • D3: How do you think you can add value to an MSCA programme?
  • D4: Your strengths and weaknesses.
  • D5: Describe a time when you had to deliver a challenging project. What was your role and what was the outcome?
  • D6: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
  • D7: Why should you be selected for the position? 

Closing date for applications:  30 October 2026 

• Interviews will take place in the first two weeks of November 2026. 
• For further details about the post including the Job Description and Person Specification and to apply please visit https://careers.brunel.ac.uk 
• If you have any technical issues please contact us at: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk 

Brunel University London wishes to promote an inclusive and diverse workforce and create a culture that values the contribution of all backgrounds and communities. All employees will be recruited, selected and appointed in line with our equality and diversity policy.