Research Fellow in High-Speed Propulsion Aerodynamics

Role Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Cranfield University as a Research Fellow in High-Speed Propulsion Aerodynamics and help shape next-generation supersonic air vehicles.

About the Role

The successful candidate will lead and deliver experimental research within Cranfield University’s new high-speed propulsion test facility, advancing capabilities in supersonic propulsion-airframe integration for next-generation air vehicle platforms.

The role involves designing, executing and analysing complex aerodynamic experiments, contributing to project management and industry-facing deliverables, publishing high-quality research outputs, and supporting MSc/PhD supervision and funding proposals. Working within the Centre for Aeronautics, Propulsion and Power, the postholder will collaborate closely with academic colleagues, industrial partners and students to meet project objectives, drive innovation in gas turbine and high-speed propulsion technologies, and enhance Cranfield’s research excellence and impact.

Due to the nature of this role, you will be required to obtain UK Security Clearance (BPSS).

About You

You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in a relevant topic, such as high-speed aerodynamics, or have significant industrial experience in a related discipline. Proven experience in leading research and a track record of publishing in high-quality journals is required, along with hands-on experience of experimental aerodynamics (intrusive/non-intrusive methods: PIV, PTV, Schlieren, BOS) and the design/execution of experimental campaigns.

You will also have experience of compressible-flow rig design, CD CAD, and the ability to work across systems integration topics, along with programming in one or more of: Python, Matlab, C, C++, FORTRAN, LabVIEW.

You will also bring excellent project and time management skills, communication skills, presentation skills, report/paper writing and collaborative skills. An alignment with our values (Ambition, Impact, Respect, Community) is essential. An understanding of systems and process engineering will be an advantage.

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 is one of the largest research and education activities within the University. The activity spans across land, off-shore, marine, air and space power and propulsion applications, with a particular specialisation in gas turbine engineering. We believe there is a very bright future for gas turbines for power and propulsion due to the fundamental changes resulting from the need to protect the environment. These changes, which bring about several exciting technology developments, are firmly embedded in our research and education delivery.

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 and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. 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 Pavlos Zachos, Reader in Propulsion Aerodynamics, on (E): p.zachos@cranfield.ac.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5263.

Closing date for receipt of applications:   19 April 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.