Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Thermal Energy Systems and Modelling

The UK Energy Research Centre; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Thermal Energy Systems and Modelling. This role involves conducting high-quality research in thermal energy storage and integrating systems for low-carbon power provision. Candidates should have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, or related disciplines, along with experience in numerical modelling and experimental design. This opportunity aims to contribute to next-generation energy technologies in a high-impact environment.

Qualifications

• Must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Essential experience in numerical modelling and experimental design.
• Strong publication track record required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on thermal-energy storage and heat-transfer systems.
• Support prototype fabrication and instrumentation.
• Ensure research outputs align with project milestones.

Skills

Numerical modelling of thermal or fluid systems

Experimental design and data acquisition

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Energy Systems

PhD in Thermal Sciences

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

OpenFOAM

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Thermal Energy Systems and Modelling

Aston University– EBRI

Location:

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £42,254 to £46,049 per annum. Grade 08

Hours:

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type:

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On:

Placed On: 9th December 2025

Closes:

Closes: 25th December 2025

Aston University is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the technical delivery of theAeroVault Project, an Innovate UK–funded programme developing an advanced adiabatic compressed-air energy storage (A-CAES) system for resilient, low-carbon power provision. The role will focus on integrating multi-stage phase-change material (PCM) thermal storage with a high-efficiency rotary-piston expander, supporting prototype development and system-performance validation in collaboration with UK and Ukrainian partners.

The successful candidate will conduct high-quality research across thermal-energy storage, heat-transfer systems, and control engineering. This includes CFD/FEA modelling using tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL or OpenFOAM, laboratory experimentation for PCM characterisation and heat-transfer measurements, and development of model-predictive control algorithms for dynamic charge–discharge operation. The postholder will support prototype fabrication, instrumentation, commissioning, and performance analysis, ensuring research outputs align with project milestones and Innovate UK requirements.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, Thermal Sciences, or a closely related discipline. Essential experience includes numerical modelling of thermal or fluid systems, experimental design and data acquisition, and a strong track record of high-quality publications. Applicants should demonstrate excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, together with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and international research environment.

Desirable experience includes research in PCM thermal storage, CAES technologies, model-predictive control, prototype development, and involvement in Innovate UK/UKRI/EU-funded collaborative projects. Eligibility for or progress toward Chartered Engineer status is also advantageous.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to join Aston’s Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) and contribute to a high-impact research programme supporting the development of next‑generation low‑carbon energy technologies for post‑conflict recovery and climate‑resilient infrastructure.