A Research Associate (Grade 6) is required for the development of optoelectronic systems for the quantitative imaging of combustion species and non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) in research-grade combustors at partner UK Universities.

New understanding, of the adverse impact of aviation and other emissions on the global environment and local air quality, has enhanced the pressure to reduce emissions. To remain competitive, industries must meet the rapidly evolving and increasingly stringent emissions targets and have committed to drastic emissions reduction by 2050.

The work forms part of the pioneering £8M LITECS (Laser Imaging of Turbine Engine Combustion Species) Programme aiming to reduce the environmental impact of gas turbine engines (GTEs). The Programme, funded by EPSRC UK, involves six world-leading UK Universities and is backed by industry partners Rolls-Royce, Siemens, OptoSci, M Squared Lasers and Tracerco. LITECS builds on the success of earlier projects with substantial Manchester involvement - FLITES and CIDAR - funded by EPSRC and the European Commission, respectively, and aims to establish several new non-intrusive multi-beam laser measurement systems for simultaneous imaging of the concentration of multiple gases, soot and temperature in the exhausts and combustion zones of GTEs. The resulting measurement data will be used to develop new understanding of the combustion and emissions generation processes and apply it to advancing our strategies for emissions reduction. Measurements will be made for a range of engine conditions and new fuels, enabling for the first time, direct experimental evaluation of new fuel types and their potential to achieve reduced emissions.

The post-holder’s main duties will be the development of optoelectronic instrumentation for combustion diagnostic applications. The post will have an experimental bias, thus experience in experimental optics (including fibre), lasers and networked instrumentation is highly desirable. Mechanical design / prototyping skills, including CAD (Solidworks), would be advantageous. Good communication, interpersonal and organisational skills are essential. You must possess a PhD (or equivalent), or be close to achieving the degree, in electrical and electronic engineering, experimental physics/optics, or a closely related field.

This will be a fixed-term contract until the 31st of August 2025.

The Department of Electrical Electronic Engineering is committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visithttps://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/equality-diversity-inclusion/awards/athena-swan/

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers