Research Assistant in Experimental Design for Thermoacoustics Experiments (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Department of Engineering

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £33,002 to £35,608

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 26th January 2026

Closes: 9th March 2026

Job Ref: NM48629

A position exists, for a Research Assistant in the Department of Engineering, to work on Experimental Design for Thermoacoustics Experiments.

The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

Key responsibilities and duties

1. Research and Scholarship
   • Undertake basic research for example by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments, using straightforward mathematical modelling or scientific computation; conduct literature and database searches.
   • Continue to update knowledge and develop skills.
   • Write up results of own research.
   • Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
   • Present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research, e.g. steering groups, sponsors or members of research groups.
   • Prepare papers for steering groups and other bodies; make use of standard research techniques and methods.
   • Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes.
2. Liaison and Networking
   • Liaise with colleagues and students on routine matters.
   • Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
3. Planning and Organising
   • Plan own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed programme.
   • Co-ordinate own work with that of others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
   • Contribute to the planning of research projects.

Skills, qualifications and experience required

1. Education and qualifications
   The role holder will have an excellent undergraduate or master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or a related area
2. Specialist knowledge and skills
   The role holder will have some experience and skill with programming, e.g. with python, C++, Matlab. The role holder will possess good intuition for physics-based problems.
3. Interpersonal and communication skills
   The role holder will have good written and spoken English.

Salary Range:
Research Assistant Grade 5 (GBP 33,002 - GBP 35,608)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 42 months in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV; including a list of publications) and a supporting letter in the Upload section of the online application. The supporting statement should cover your motivation for the post, a point-by-point account of how you meet each of the selection criteria, and strictly one journal publication/draft, conference paper, or report that exemplifies the quality of your research. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants). If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Matthew Juniper (mpj1001@cam.ac.uk) for queries of a technical nature related to the role and Mrs Kate Graham (kag1000@cam.ac.uk) for queries related to the application process.

Please quote reference NM48629 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.