Senior Research Associate in Aircraft Electrical Systems Modelling and Validation

University of Bristol - School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering

The role

We are researching testing and validation procedures for new high efficiency electrical machines for future aircraft power generation systems in collaboration with Safran Electrical & Power UK and funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI). A new exciting position of Senior Research Associate in Aircraft Electrical Systems Modelling and Validation is being created, with the successful applicant joining the Electrical Energy Management Group. The contracted position is being offered on a full-time basis for a fixed term of 2 years, with the possibility of extension by a further one year. Interviews will take place shortly after the application deadline.

What will you be doing?

Research Responsibilities:

• Developing real-time models for electro-dynamic systems.
• Designing experiments and undertaking testing for characterisation and validation of models.
• Collaboration with industrial partners, preparing technical reports and presenting results.
• Dissemination and publication of findings at conferences and journals.
• Mentoring of PhD students.
• Play an active role in the research group community.

Administration Responsibilities:

• Regularly present technical results at meetings.
• Write technical reports that may serve as a formal project deliverables.
• Prepare publications for academic journals and present the results at international conferences.
• To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings and database management.
• Become an active member of the research group, including presenting at group meetings and contributing to the successful day to day running of the group.

You should apply if

Applicants will have a PhD in mechanical, aerospace or electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline, or have equivalent industrial experience. They will have knowledge and experience conducting research with electro-mechanical systems and designing experiments. They will be able to demonstrate an effective contribution to the delivery of research projects and associated work packages within an academic and industrial environment and will be able to work with colleagues in teams, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills to disseminate the work to a wide audience. The post-holder will be encouraged and supported to attend international conferences and affiliated academic-industry networks, publish research findings in high-impact journals and attend meetings related to both project management and technical progress related to the project’s work packages.

Additional information

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/

Contract type: Open-ended with fixed funding until 30/06/2028

Work pattern: 1 FTE

School/Unit: School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 14/05/2026

Shortlisting is expected to take place on 26/05/2026

Interviews are expected to take place on 09/06/2026

For informal queries please contact:

• Professor Phil Mellor (p.h.mellor@bristol.ac.uk), Tel: +441174557992
• Jason Yon (Jason.Yon.02@bristol.ac.uk), Tel: +441174555090