Research Associate in Digital Hydraulic Fluid Power

Research Associate in Digital Hydraulic Fluid Power
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Salary: Starting from £37,099, rising to £44,263
Closing date: Friday 27 September 2024
We are seeking a Research Associate to take a key role in the design and development of digital hydraulic fluid power technologies and control systems. The role is funded by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, investigating Digital Hydraulic Fluid Power Technologies for Decarbonising Off-road Vehicles.
Hydraulic fluid power has several advantages, such as high power density, compactness, low weight, fast response, and good controllability. However, the current hydraulic control method involves using valves to throttle flow, reduce pressure, and control the speed and force of the load. Although this approach is simple to operate, it is highly energy inefficient, and the average power efficiency of fluid power systems is only about 21%.
This project aims to design, develop and prototype next-generation digital hydraulic technologies and control systems to significantly improve hydraulic energy efficiency, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions to decarbonise off-road vehicles for a sustainable and greener future. In addition, there are also opportunities to conduct interdisciplinary research on highly efficient actuation mechanisms, collaborating with colleagues nationally and internationally.
You will be responsible for delivering high-quality research on the topic, including:
- Designing and modelling of digital hydraulic fluid power technologies
- Prototyping, validating and evaluating digital hydraulic converters
- Digital fluid power system integration and experimental validations
- Stimulating and creating pathways to impact and disseminate the research outcomes and promote the exploitation of the new technologies
You will be responsible for planning and performing your own research activities and will be expected to take an active role in supporting PhD and undergraduate research students within the laboratory.
This position is offered on a fixed term basis with an expected end date of 1st September 2026.
About you
Our ideal candidate will:
- Hold a PhD degree in a subject area of direct relevance for the project
- Have previous experience in one or more of the following: modelling, design, control or prototyping of fluid power components and systems
- Have excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
- Be self-motivated and have excellent communication skills
You should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work as part of a team and discuss your work with a range of audiences.
Further information
For an informal discussion please contact Dr Min Pan, Reader, however please ensure that you submit your application through our website.
What we can offer you:
- a very generous employer contributory pension scheme
- generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- we are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements
- an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities
- a number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
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We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.

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