Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Business (Marine Business Technology Centre project)

About the job

This new full time post is available immediately on a fixed term basis until 30 June 2023. This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

Summary of the role

The Centre for Future Clean Mobility based at the University of Exeter in the Department of Engineering, has a job opening for an experienced engineer with a strong focus on solving industry problems. Ideally you will have some experience in powertrains, from either an Electrical or Mechanical Engineering viewpoint, and with a view on future zero emissions powertrains. You should be confident in communicating with both industrial and academic engineers. The job will include opportunities to develop new short- and medium-term projects on clean mobility with companies, and to take part in those research projects.

The Centre for Future Clean Mobility works on research and innovation in zero emissions powertrain design, control, assembly, and test, especially in the maritime, off highway, defence, rail, construction, and other sectors. We develop and deploy novel simulation and machine learning methods and use these to solve complex multi-faceted problems for smart, autonomous, and clean powered vehicles, vessels, and other assets. We have a strong track record in delivering innovative powertrain and mobility solutions with industry partners and are the leading UK innovator of zero emission propulsion for maritime.

Come and help us get rid of hydrocarbon fuels and emissions from our world.

The full time post is available until 30th June 2023 and is part of a project involving the Marine Business Technology Centre which the University of Exeter/CFCM is a key partner. MBTC is funded through the European Regional Development Fund and forms part of the European Strategic Investment Framework for Heart of the South West .

This role will involve visiting local businesses in person, including some in remote locations. Ability and willingness to travel will be essential.

About you 

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies. 

The successful applicant will be confident in engaging with businesses and supporting the aspirations the reduction of global emissions in the maritime sector.

Applicants will be educated to PhD level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. You should be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.  

This role will involve travelling to small businesses in the region, some in remote locations.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City.

The Centre for Future Clean Mobility is leading development of clean mobility technology for vehicles and vessels in many sectors, including maritime, rail, off-highway, construction, defence amongst others. 

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

Please contact Professor Chris W Smith, e-mail c.w.smith@exeter.ac.uk, or Mr James McNaughton e-mail j.mcnaughton@exeter.ac.uk.

Interviews are expected to take place w/c 12 December.