Research Fellow in Lightweight Structures

Fixed Term Contract 30th June 2026

Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £37,337 to £38,312 per annum.

Location: Cranfield 

We welcome applications from passionate, skilled, committed Research Fellows to join our team in the Centre for Aeronautics to contribute to the role, which will build an independent portfolio of research within a prestigious EU project led by Rolls Royce Plc. 

About the Role

This role will have a significant impact on the shape and future direction of our Centre’s research activities. You will join the research group on Advanced Lightweight and Composite Structures. The contribution will be primarily in the area of advanced aircraft structures.

In turn, you will have an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of world-leading research and education, joining a supportive team and environment. 

About You

We are looking for an ambitious, talented and collaborative professional with a PhD in aerospace structures who would be responsible for the development and delivery of high-quality research in one or more of:

• Design and analysis of structural test rig
• Mechanical testing of large-scale aircraft structures and sub-components
• Advanced FEM/FEA simulation for static and dynamic loads
• Aircraft structural optimisation analysis

We also welcome applicants with related industry experience who would like to develop a career in academia.

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 Aerospace and Aviation theme offers world-class and niche post-graduate level research, education, training and consultancy. The Centre for Aeronautics here is internationally renowned for research and education in Aerospace Vehicle Design and Analysis, Aerospace Flight Dynamics and Control, Aerodynamics, Advanced Engineering Methods, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Lightweight and Composite Structures.

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, please contact Dr Ghasemnejad, on (E); Hessam.Ghasemnejad@cranfield.ac.uk.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: hrrecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5048.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 17 April 2025

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.

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