"Research Fellow (Railway Traction Systems) – School of Engineering – 103884 – Grade 7"

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Details

School of Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade: 7

Full time, Fixed term contract up to June 2025

Closing date: 27th June 2024

 Role Summary

The Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) is Europe’s largest academic-based group delivering railway science and education. With over 130 academics, researchers and professional support staff, BCRRE provides world class research and thought leadership within railways and offers an expanding portfolio of high-quality education programmes. BCRRE is the lead partner in the £92m UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) and the University of Birmingham is also home to one of UKRRIN’s four Centres of Excellence, the Centre of Excellence in Digital Systems (CEDS). More information can be found on our website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/railway/index.aspx 

This role will support the work of the Railway Traction Systems group in the University of Birmingham. The post holder will create and contribute to the creation of new knowledge of the integration of energy storage and renewables in transport systems by ideating, designing, and testing new power converters and control with simulations and experimental prototypes.

The postholder will work within a specified research grant and projects with the specialism of power electronics for the integration of energy storage and contribute to writing bids. They will design and develop experimental prototypes of power converters for research projects, and design and develop control systems of power converters on microcontrollers. They will analyse and interpret research findings and results and contribute to generating funding. They will also contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP) and public understanding of the discipline.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews*
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters*
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research*
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

* These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6.

Person Specification

• Hold, or close to completion of, a PhD in a subject relevant to BCRRE’s research area, or equivalent qualifications/research experience.
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Prof. Stuart Hillmansen s.hillmansen@bham.ac.uk 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.

JOB INFO

Job Identification

4831

Job Category

Academic Non-clinical

Posting Date

06/13/2024, 07:01 AM

Apply Before

06/28/2024, 06:59 AM

Job Schedule

Full time

Locations

Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TT, GB