Post-doctoral Research Assistant in Magnetic Suspension Technology for Wind Tunnels

About the role

We are seeking a talented and driven Post-doctoral Research Assistant to join the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 24 months, based at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute in Osney Mead.

Working in collaboration with colleagues from Imperial College London, you will undertake the design, development and commissioning of new magnetic balance and suspension systems (MSBS) which will be part of the UK National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF). The MSBS electromagnetically suspends aerodynamic models against gravity and aerodynamic forces. This system will operate across a range of wind tunnel facilities, offering unrivalled opportunities for making interference-free measurements of time-dependent forces.

The role includes responsibility for the overall design, implementation and commissioning of the Oxford MSBS and its sub-systems. You will lead the detailed specification and design of the major components including power amplifiers, model position and attitude detection system, calibration methods, and control and safety architecture. You will work collaboratively with a senior research fellow and doctoral student from Imperial College London, coordinate external contractors and suppliers and help ensure delivery of the project.

Once operational you will have responsibility for calibrating and characterizing the system performance, implementing and improving data analysis techniques, and undertaking novel experiments to demonstrate its capabilities. You will contribute to sponsor reporting and external briefings and support the wider research ambitions of the Oxford Thermofluids Institute.

In addition to the core facility development programme, you will have scope to pursue complementary research activities, contribute to publications and funding proposals, and engage in collaborative projects within the UK and internationally.

About you

You will hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be near completion, having submitted your thesis) in mechatronic engineering or a sufficiently related discipline (e.g. electronic, electromagnetic, electromechanical engineering, physics, control engineering). You should have a strong track record of system design and integration, ideally including electromagnet design. You will have experience planning and managing substantial engineering or research projects, including budget oversight and milestone delivery, and confidence supervising junior engineers or researchers.

You will bring a careful and methodical approach to problem-solving, with the ability to design complex systems and analyse measurement data. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to produce technical reports, drawings or schematics, present at conferences, and represent the programme in technical briefings with stakeholders.

What we offer

At the university of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges. The other benefits include:

• Travel - We have several travel schemes available for staff which promote sustainable modes of transport.
• Family friendly benefits - We aim to be a family-friendly employer and offer a range of flexible working options. We have some of the most generous family leave provision in the Higher Education sector.
• Sports – We have several schemes to help you stay fit and healthy, including discounted membership of the university sports centre on the Iffley Road
• Personal and professional development - We actively encourage all staff to participate in planning their personal and professional development and provide a broad range of opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential.
• University club - All staff are entitled to free membership of the University Club. It offers social and hospitality facilities, a small gym and exercise classes.
• Staff discounts - University staff can access shopping discounts in several ways; by purchasing a TOTUM card, by showing an employee pass in selected local stores, or online by using any of the listed discount codes
• Childcare services - We offer excellent childcare services including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at other local private nurseries.

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two references.

The position is a full-time fixed term post available for 24 months.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 22nd May 2026.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Luke Doherty, luke.doherty@eng.ox.ac.uk

Further information can be found at http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/jobs/home

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. The Department is committed to equality and valuing diversity and holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality in academia. The University is a Living Wage Employer, holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, an HR Excellence in Research and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we seek to create a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through our EDI Committee, working groups and networks, for example eng.ox.ac.uk/women-in-engineering, as well as a number of family friendly policies.