About Birmingham City University
At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.
Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.
Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.
By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (UK National Clean Maritime Hub) to join our Department of Engineering, supporting the delivery of high-quality services across the University.
In this role, you will undertake leading research into the performance and application of wind-assisted ship propulsion technologies, contributing to the development of robust methods for assessing their potential to reduce ship energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. You will also contribute to BCU's commitments within the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub, working with project partners to deliver high-quality research outputs, publications, technical guidance, and impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake research into wind-assisted ship propulsion and its contribution to maritime decarbonisation.
- Develop and apply appropriate analytical, numerical, and/or performance-prediction methods.
- Analyse ship and wind propulsion performance data and evaluate potential reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Contribute to the development and validation of methodologies for assessing wind-assisted propulsion technologies.
- Work collaboratively with researchers across BCU, the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub and relevant industry partners.
- Prepare high-quality journal papers, conference papers, technical reports, and other research outputs.
- Present research findings at project meetings, conferences, workshops, and stakeholder events.
- Contribute to knowledge exchange and engagement with the maritime industry and other stakeholders.
- Support the delivery of agreed project milestones and research outputs, with an opportunity to gain experience of supervising PhD and MRes students.
- Contribute to the development of follow-on research proposals and opportunities arising from the project.
Essential Requirements
- A PhD (or near completion), or equivalent research experience, in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of engineering analysis, modelling, or performance prediction.
- Experience of numerical modelling, computational methods, data analysis, or related engineering research methods.
- Ability to undertake independent research and deliver high-quality research outputs.
- Evidence of academic writing and the ability to communicate research findings clearly.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to deliver work to agreed deadlines.
Desirable Requirements
- Knowledge or experience of wind-assisted ship propulsion, ship performance, sailing aerodynamics, or marine renewable technologies.
- Understanding of maritime decarbonisation and greenhouse gas reduction.
- Experience of programming or engineering analysis software, for example Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.
- Experience of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience of working with industry or within collaborative research projects.
- Awareness of international maritime environmental regulations and the evolving regulatory framework for shipping emissions.
Further Information
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of Clean Maritime and Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Prof JB Souppez at jb.souppez@bcu.ac.uk
Interviews for this are envisioned to take place in the week commencing 16 November 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, and encourage you to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
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Why work for us
- Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
- Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
- Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
- Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
Visa Sponsorship
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Further Details:
Use of AI in applications
At BCU, we welcome applications that clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. AI tools may be used to support you in preparing your application, but the information you provide must be accurate, authentic and based on your own experience. Applications that rely too heavily on AI, appear generic or do not provide specific evidence against the role criteria are less likely to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process. For more information, please refer to our candidate guidance; How to Apply - Jobs at Birmingham City University
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
Disability Confident Employer
Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.
The appointed candidate will be employed through BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University, and will be automatically enrolled into the BCU Support Services Pension Scheme (BCUSS), subject to earnings and other eligibility criteria.