Cranfield University stands as a unique institution in the United Kingdom's higher education sector, specializing exclusively in postgraduate education and research. Established in 1946 as the College of Aeronautics, it has evolved into a global leader in applied sciences, particularly in aerospace, engineering, defense, security, energy, environment, transport, manufacturing, and management. Located primarily in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, with a second campus at Shrivenham focused on defense and security, the university bridges academia and industry through its emphasis on real-world impact.
Jobs at Cranfield University attract professionals passionate about innovation. Unlike traditional universities, Cranfield does not offer undergraduate programs, focusing instead on master's degrees, PhDs, and executive education. This specialist model means roles here demand expertise in cutting-edge fields, often with direct ties to sectors like aviation and sustainable energy. The university employs around 1,300 academic and research staff alongside professional services teams, fostering a collaborative environment where research influences policy and business worldwide.
For those eyeing academic jobs at Cranfield University, opportunities span teaching, research, and leadership. The institution's reputation for industry partnerships—boasting over 1,000 active collaborations—means employees often work on projects with companies like Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and the UK Ministry of Defence. Salaries are competitive, with professors earning upwards of £70,000 annually, reflecting the high-caliber talent required.
Cranfield University offers diverse roles tailored to its postgraduate and research-intensive mission. Academic positions include lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, and professors, who deliver specialized modules and supervise theses. Research-focused jobs, such as research fellows and postdoctoral researchers, drive innovation in labs equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like wind tunnels and flight simulators.
Professional services roles cover administration, finance, HR, and IT, supporting the university's operations. For a deeper dive into university job types, these positions emphasize practical skills over theoretical academia. Common openings include:
Explore broader categories like research jobs or lecturer jobs on AcademicJobs.com to compare opportunities across institutions.
Securing jobs at Cranfield University requires robust credentials aligned with its technical focus. Most academic roles demand a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in a relevant discipline, such as aerospace engineering or environmental science. For lecturer positions, a master's degree suffices if paired with significant teaching experience, but senior roles typically require doctoral-level expertise.
Research focus areas mirror the university's schools: School of Aerospace, School of Energy, Environment and Agrifood, School of Engineering, School of Management, and Cranfield Defence and Security. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (aim for 10+ for mid-career roles), securing research grants from bodies like UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and industry consultancy. For instance, a research fellow in water management might highlight projects on flood prediction models used by the Environment Agency.
Key skills and competencies encompass:
Candidates with patents or executive education delivery stand out, as Cranfield values translational research—turning ideas into commercial products.
To clarify key terms in jobs at Cranfield University:
The application process for jobs at Cranfield University begins on their careers portal at cranfield.ac.uk. Submit a tailored CV (2-3 pages), cover letter (1 page), and supporting statements addressing selection criteria. Research statements should outline past impacts and future visions, limited to 2 pages.
Interviews involve presentations (e.g., 20-minute research seminar) and panels with academics and industry reps. Shortlisting takes 4-6 weeks; offers follow within 2 weeks.
Actionable tips:
For UK applicants, note visa sponsorship for eligible roles. International candidates benefit from the university's global outlook.
Cranfield University champions diversity through its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy. Holding Athena SWAN Silver across schools, it targets 40% women in senior roles by 2025. The Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident Leader status underscore commitments.
Specific initiatives include:
In 2023, 28% of academic staff were from ethnic minorities, above UK averages, fostering inclusive innovation.
Cranfield's 267-acre campus blends rural tranquility with urban access (30 minutes to Milton Keynes). Facilities include a gym, sports hall, 18-hole golf course, and nursery—ideal for families. Flexible working (up to 2 remote days/week) and 30 days annual leave support balance.
Staff enjoy subsidized dining, cycle-to-work schemes, and wellness apps. Social life thrives via clubs like the Aero Society and running groups. Shrivenham campus offers military-standard security training grounds. Employee surveys report 80% satisfaction with work-life integration, bolstered by mental health first-aiders.
Cultural context: As a UK employer, Cranfield adheres to strict labor laws, including auto-enrollment pensions (8% employer contribution) and sabbatical options post-5 years.
Professional growth is embedded, with £2,000 annual training budgets, leadership academies, and secondments to industry. REF 2021 ranked Cranfield top 10 UK for research impact in engineering.
Choosing jobs at Cranfield means joining a community shaping future tech, from net-zero aviation to food security. For more, browse higher ed career advice, university jobs, or higher ed jobs. Employers can post a job to attract talent.
Recent UK trends, like declining public trust in scientists, highlight Cranfield's role in impactful science communication.
