Research Assistant/Associate in the Research of the Electromagnetic Aspects of High-Performance Elec

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

We understand how important the full employment package is to our colleagues at Newcastle University and we are committed to providing a great range of benefits and discounts for all.  You can learn more about what is available here on our Benefits Website page.

Salary:

Research Assistant: £30,619 to £32,411 per annum

Research Associate £33,348 - £43,155 per annum

Closing Date: 10 April 2023

The Role

We are seeking a researcher with a passion and natural interest in technology and the sustainable electrification of society.  We want you to apply your unique skills and knowledge to this area and will help you to develop your career in this ever-growing sector of engineering.

Working in a team of University and Industry researchers you will have the opportunity to develop cutting edge electrical machine technology using new materials and techniques.  This research will be applied to the development of novel high-speed, high-efficiency and high torque electrical machines designed for electrified transport.

We will help direct and develop your knowledge and abilities and support you in the development of new skills to fit the electrification agenda.  You will have access to modules in our highly rated Electrical Power MSc programme, academic and research skills development courses and will work alongside researchers with the broad range of skills and specialisms needed for electrification.  You will also have the opportunity to spend time with colleagues at our industrial partner in Sweden.

Based in the Electrical Power Research Group at Newcastle University and working in conjunction with colleagues at Alvier Mechatronics in Sweden, we welcome candidates wishing to work more flexibly and can adapt this role to suit part time and flexible working.

You will be a detailed and organised person with an inquisitive mind and a passion to turn theoretical ideas into working solutions. Skills in Science, Technology Engineering, Mathematics and Computer simulation are required, and we will help you develop these further in this role.

This research will encompass the design of electrical machines for high-speed, high-efficiency and high-torque automotive and industrial applications.  You will develop the electrical machine design using analytical skills, 3D electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical simulations, comparison and optimisation, development and construction of the system culminating in the experimental testing of prototype electrical drive systems at our state-of-the-art test facilities at Newcastle University. 

As part of our commitment to career development for research staff, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

This is a full time, fixed term position for 18 months.

To apply, please complete an online application and upload a CV and a cover letter. 

Your cover letter is a supporting statement, and you should outline how you meet the essential criteria of the role and evidence this with examples. 

For further enquiries about the role, or for an informal chat, please contact Glynn Atkinson, Reader in Electrical Machines via email Glynn.Atkinson@newcastle.ac.uk
 

Key Accountabilities 

As the role develops you will experience many aspects of the development of an electrical drive system including:
•    The application of design and mathematical skills to electrical drive systems
•    Computer simulation applied to the electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical development of the drive system
•    Development of a simulation model with multi-physics capability for assessment of electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical performance
•    Integration with a system level model to assess full drive performance over a wide range of operating points
•    Creation of technical drawings and material specifications for prototype manufacture
•    Design and commissioning of an experimental laboratory-based test bed for the rotating electrical machine and associated power electronic drive
•    Experimental testing and performance evaluation of the drive system
•    Creation and presentation of technical reports and presentations for industrial and academic partners within this research area
•    Creation of presentations and journal papers for dissemination at national and international engineering seminars, conferences and publications

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
•    A passion and natural interest in technology and electrification 
•    Evidence of initiative and creativity applied to solve problems
•    Experience in computer aided design and simulation packages
•    Experience in moving from computer-based design through system optimisation to physical prototyping and experimental analysis
•    Mathematical and logical ability which can be applied to the development of an engineered prototype system
•    The interpersonal and team-working skills required to work in projects with multiple partners
•    The focus to plan, collaborate, adapt, and complete successful projects
•    Evidence of your ability to collate and present information clearly to colleagues working in your research area
•    Evidence of your ability to present results and findings to a wider audience, such as in engineering conferences and journals

Qualifications
•    You should have a PhD awarded (or nearing completion) in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematical subject
•    Alternatively, you will have relevant industrial experience and if desired you will have to opportunity to study toward a PhD aligned with this research
 

Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.

The University holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. The University also holds the HR Excellence in Research award for our work to support the career development of our researchers, and is a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 17945