Research Fellow in High Voltage Transient Processes

Salary range: £47,390 - £58,225

FTE: 1 (35 hours per week)

Contract type: Fixed term (18 months)

Closing date: 05/01/2026

The High Voltage Technology (HVT) Research Group within Strathclyde's Institute for Energy Environment (InstEE) is looking to recruit a Research Fellow to undertake a research project in the field of high voltage and non-equilibrium plasma engineering which is part of a wider research programme focused on the development of novel technologies for the aerospace industry.

This post will involve the researcher working closely with the HVT group and wider InstEE colleagues on the design, development and operation of practical high voltage, liquid spray and plasma systems and analysis of the obtained results, contributing to team-driven research into the field of novel high voltage aero-electrical technologies. Projects will explore new mechanisms and methods through experimental and analytical techniques, working closely with industry stakeholders and within a dynamic team. The research programme will therefore require fundamental and engineering analysis, and practical, experimental work with high voltage and fluid flows.

The Research Fellow (RF) will be engaged in collaborative research projects supported by industrial partners, will support the establishment of a distinctive research programme, will report on the obtained results through regular meetings and formal deliverables, and disseminate contributions through publications in high impact journals and conference presentations. The RF will furthermore be involved in the supervision of PhD student(s) working in this field, providing guidance, advice and technical support. The RF will also carry out Departmental or Faculty administrative functions through membership of relevant working group(s) and /or committee(s).

InstEE at the University of Strathclyde has established an international reputation in electrical power engineering research It operates within the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and hosts over 200 researchers in state-of-the-art facilities. The HVT Group operates specialist High Voltage and Pulsed Power Plasma technology laboratory facilities and specialises in high voltage, and pulsed power systems and technologies. They, together with colleagues in the Advanced Electrical Systems (AES) Group, are furthermore involved in a significant number of industrial partnerships and programmes.

Fast-paced developments are underway in research into high electric field/transient plasma technologies and systems for different practical applications and Strathclyde teams have accumulated significant experience and expertise in this area. In joining the HVT team, the post holder will contribute to the design and development of practical high voltage spray and transient plasma systems for operation in challenging environments.

To be considered for this role, you will have PhD degree in the field of High Voltage Engineering or closely related field such as Electronic and Electrical Engineering or Physics. Prior knowledge of high voltage and transient electrical, hydrodynamic and plasma processes together with strong practical experience in high voltage engineering and transient plasma and spray technologies are required for this role. You will have knowledge of appropriate research methods, have an ability to plan and prioritise your own workload, with general supervision, and will have the ability to work within a dynamic team environment. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

Exceptional candidates with less experience may be considered for a grade 7 Research Associate appointment.

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Maureen Cooper, HVT Group Administrator ).

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