Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Aerodynamics

About the Role
We are seeking a motivated researcher to work within the School of Engineering and Materials Science on the project “Small-scale vertical-axis wind turbines for backup domestic electricity generation in rural South African communities”. The role will be based in the London campus of QMUL, and will involve designing and conducting a series of wind tunnel experiments on the unsteady aerodynamic flow around the blades of vertical-axis wind turbines, with a focus on characterising the structural loading on the turbine blades. You will use the experimental data to support the design of a small-scale vertical-axis wind turbine. You will be expected to plan and conduct all elements of the project, liaise with partners and report project outputs.

About You
The successful candidate will have a track record of experience in research on experimental aerodynamics, holding (or close to completion of) a PhD on a relevant topic, preferably in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project
The project is funded by a Royal Society International Collaboration Award and is in collaboration with researchers at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. The central aim of the project is to develop wind turbines at the lower Reynolds numbers associated with small-scale devices. A series of wind tunnel experiments will optimise key design parameters (such as solidity and blade profile) and provide physical insight into self-starting characteristics, flow ingestion and the interference between blades. Further wind tunnel tests will quantify the structural loading on the blades throughout their motion cycle to better characterise fatigue-driven blade failure. The experimental data will support the design of a small-scale turbine, which will be constructed and field tested by our project partners in South Africa.

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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