Department of Engineering, The Oxford Thermofluids Institute, Southwell Building, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES
About the role:
We are seeking a talented and driven Post-doctoral Research Assistant to join the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 24 months, based at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute in Osney Mead.
Working in collaboration with colleagues from Imperial College London, you will undertake the design, development and commissioning of new magnetic balance and suspension systems (MSBS) which will be part of the UK National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF). The MSBS electromagnetically suspends aerodynamic models against gravity and aerodynamic forces. This system will operate across a range of wind tunnel facilities, offering unrivalled opportunities for making interference-free measurements of time-dependent forces.
The role includes responsibility for the overall design, implementation and commissioning of the Oxford MSBS and its sub-systems. You will lead the detailed specification and design of the major components including power amplifiers, model position and attitude detection system, calibration methods, and control and safety architecture. You will work collaboratively with a senior research fellow and doctoral student from Imperial College London, coordinate external contractors and suppliers and help ensure delivery of the project.
Once operational you will have responsibility for calibrating and characterizing the system performance, implementing and improving data analysis techniques, and undertaking novel experiments to demonstrate its capabilities. You will contribute to sponsor reporting and external briefings and support the wider research ambitions of the Oxford Thermofluids Institute.
In addition to the core facility development programme, you will have scope to pursue complementary research activities, contribute to publications and funding proposals, and engage in collaborative projects within the UK and internationally.
About you:
You will hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be near completion, having submitted your thesis) in mechatronic engineering or a sufficiently related discipline (e.g. electronic, electromagnetic, electromechanical engineering, physics, control engineering). You should have a strong track record of system design and integration, ideally including electromagnet design. You will have experience planning and managing substantial engineering or research projects, including budget oversight and milestone delivery, and confidence supervising junior engineers or researchers.
You will bring a careful and methodical approach to problem-solving, with the ability to design complex systems and analyse measurement data. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to produce technical reports, drawings or schematics, present at conferences, and represent the programme in technical briefings with stakeholders.
What we offer:
At the university of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges. The other benefits include:
How to apply:
Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two references.
The position is a full-time fixed term post available for 24 months.
The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 22nd May 2026.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Luke Doherty, luke.doherty@eng.ox.ac.uk
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