Research Fellow

Organisation:

Organisation: Cranfield University
Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type: Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period: For 24 months
Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £37,897 per annum
Apply by: 18/05/2026

Role Description

We welcome applications from passionate and skilled researchers to join our team in the Centre for Digital and Design Engineering, contributing to the EPSRC-funded TransiT project, focused on Digital Twinning Technologies for Transport Decarbonisation.

About the Role

We are looking for a Research Fellow to help develop new digital tools, including digital models, shadows and twins, that reduce carbon emissions in transport. Working with a wide range of experts from universities and industries across the UK, you will help create a “digital twinning” system that links air and road systems to support cleaner, more efficient and cost-effective logistics. The role involves building computer simulations and digital infrastructure using right-time data to test low-carbon and green technologies, and to provide evidence to guide future transport and energy planning. This position offers the chance to make a real contribution to the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

About You

Applicants should have a doctorate degree or equivalent (PhD/EngD) in Engineering, Manufacturing, Transport, Computer Science, Data Science, Sustainability, or a closely related subject, or be close to completing their qualification. They should have experience in systems engineering, simulation, digital modelling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or digital twin (model, shadow, twin) technologies, with an understanding of how these can be applied to transport or logistics systems. Strong technical and analytical skills are required, including experience using simulation or programming tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, MATSim, AnyLogic, or Python. Applicants should also have a good knowledge of decarbonisation and sustainability principles in transport, energy systems or manufacturing. Excellent communication, teamwork, and time management skills are essential, along with the ability to manage research activities and present finding clearly. Experience working on collaborative research projects with both academic and industry partners, or through funded research programmes, would be an advantage.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Maryam Farsi, Senior Lecturer in Engineering Optimisation, on (T): +44 (0) 1234 754647 or (E): maryam.farsi@cranfield.ac.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on (E): peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5293.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 18 May 2026

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.