Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Rotor CFD for Tidal Stream Energy

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the Environmental Fluid Mechanics research group at the Department of Engineering Science (central Oxford). The post is funded by the EPSRC and is fixed-term for 1.5 years with the possibility of extension.

The role is to lead the development of rotor CFD tools for tidal stream turbines. You will work on the EPSRC-funded programme called CoTide that is developing whole system engineering models and innovative designs for tidal energy systems. The CoTide project team brings together world-leading centres at the Universities of Oxford, Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Sheffield. CoTide’s team of around 40 researchers and academics are developing holistic integrated models covering all aspects of tidal stream turbine design that will help to reduce costs and support innovation to accelerate technology development and deployment for the tidal stream industry.

The role is to develop computational tools for the hydrodynamic and structural design of tidal stream rotors. Having developed and validated these tools, the successful applicant will use them to generate rotor designs for different geometric scales that achieve a range of hydrodynamic and structural objectives.

You should possess a relevant PhD (or be near completion) in Engineering or a related discipline, have a strong background and relevant experience in rotor fluid mechanics, and possess relevant background in numerical modelling, and have excellent communication skills.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Richard Willden (richard.willden@eng.ox.ac.uk).

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

Only online applications received before midday on the 29th April 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a CV and a covering letter/supporting statement explaining how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience, and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.