Internal Redeployment Only

Please note that this job is open only to current members of staff of Cardiff University who are eligible for redeployment.

Internal Redeployment Only - Research Associate
Cardiff School of Engineering

We are recruiting for a highly-motivated researcher to work as part of a team developing advanced computer simulations of journal bearings in aerospace fuel pumps, on a project funded by Rolls-Royce. You will carry out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research and the delivery of advanced simulation tools for the project funder.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), available from 1st February 2026 and is fixed term for 7 months or until 31st December 2026, whichever date is earliest.

Salary: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate appointing this position above point 32. Starting Point of Grade 6, salary £41,064 per annum.

Job ref: 21190BR

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr Alastair Clarke at

For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Karen Baldwin/Chiara Riolo /Bev Jones at

Closing date: Wednesday, 10 December 2025

The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities. 

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University
Research

• To conduct research within tribology, specifically on a project funded by Rolls-Royce on modelling of journal bearings, and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. 
• To review and synthesise existing literature within the field.
• To review existing Rolls-Royce numerical lubrication simulation codes (bespoke Reynolds solver) and structural Finite Element models (using ANSYS), to identify performance limitations.
• To develop revised or enhanced versions of the numerical models and structural simulations that are suitable for simulating pump conditions as required by Rolls-Royce.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School's profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Additional Information
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance,  21190BR.  

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education
Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i Computer-aided engineering
ii Tribology (wear, friction or lubrication)

Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field

Proven ability to publish in national/ journals / national/international conferences and/or other research outputs.

Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working
Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other
Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

Evidence of collaborations with industry.

Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Proven ability to develop new skills and competences independently

---