Research Fellow (KTP Associate) in Engineering - UoB/Ener-G

The vacancy will effectively inform research activity at ENER-G company based in Manchester and in the School of Engineering within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and bring through new knowledge and opportunities.

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project funded by Innovate UK and ENER-G. The company ENER-G designs, builds, owns, operates & services a range of energy/carbon saving Combined Heat & Power (CHP) installations.

The successful applicant will be employed by the University of Birmingham but will be based at ENER-G’s premises in Salford.

 

Summary of Role

To transfer knowledge from the University of Birmingham to ENER-G by undertaking a specified range of activities within a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded project. The successful candidate will analyse and interpret research findings and results. The aim of proposed research project is to develop low emissions Combined Heat & Power (CHP) systems technology, in response to forthcoming emission legislation.

 

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for the research project, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Understand, analyse and present the latest worldwide emissions legislation, engine (for CHPs) testing requirements and standards and highlight the implications to the company products
• Sourcing, storing and presenting information from government and trade bodies
• Analyse and interpret research data. This may be through a variety of research methods such as scientific experimentation and literature reviews
• Instrumentation (i.e. Data acquisition and emissions analysis) of the engine test rig facilities in order to obtain meaningful data
• Prototyping and testing of design concepts and scaling considerations
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Selection of optimal system design (i.e. engine modifications, combustion calibration, catalysts selection) against a range of technical and commercial factors
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Involvement in establishing intellectual property rights
• Project management, given the multi-disciplinary aspect of the work involved in the position
• Involvement in sales and marketing planning and discussions
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the research project
• Managing a project to time and to budget
• Presenting findings and recommendations to both academic and business teams
• Disseminate research findings for publication
• Provide guidance to students on research related work where appropriate to the discipline
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

 

Requirements

• First degree in Mechanical or Chemical and a higher degree in Engineering in the areas of thermodynamics, combustion, internal combustion engines, heat transfer or electrical engineering, or equivalent qualifications
• High level of analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant model and simulation software (i.e. AVL Boost), techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Knowledge in mathematical modelling and system optimization
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes