Research Associate in Fuel Cell Systems (KP13021) – Bath, BA2 7AY

Overview

Research Associate in Fuel Cell Systems (KP13021) – Bath, BA2 7AY

About the role

This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of cutting edge-research in aerospace propulsion as part of IAAPS – a world-leading research centre driving innovation in clean propulsion and mobility. As part of the University of Bath’s commitment to engineering net zero, you’ll contribute to transformative research in fuel cell systems helping shape the future of sustainable transport.

You will be joining an expert team to work on the digital twin of a hydrogen electric aircraft propulsion system as part of a government funded project in collaboration with a leading industrial partner. The role will involve regular working on-site with the industrial partner who is located around 30 miles from the university.

As a key member of the project team, you will:

• Develop and refine simulation models of aircraft propulsion systems using 1D and 3D tools to capture thermal, fluid, and performance behaviour.
• Apply AI and machine learning techniques (e.g. LSTM, k-means, reinforcement learning, Bayesian inference) for tasks such as parameter estimation, fault diagnostics, and remaining useful life (RUL) prediction.
• Design and implement a hybrid digital twin architecture, integrating physics-based models with real-time sensor data and AI components.
• Validate models and AI predictions against test data to ensure accuracy, robustness, and regulatory compliance for aerospace applications.
• Collaborate across disciplines with engineers, data scientists, and industry partners to co-develop solutions aligned with UK aerospace innovation priorities.
• Disseminate findings through high-quality technical reports, academic publications, and presentations at national and international events.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded. 

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about advancing clean energy technologies. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and a commitment to impactful research.

About you 

• A PhD (or equivalent professional experience) in engineering, applied physics, or a related discipline with relevance to fuel cell systems.
• Strong experience in thermal and performance modelling using tools such as Simulink, GT-SUITE, SimCenter or similar.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python for simulation scripting and system analysis.
• Ability to interpret sensor data and validate models against experimental or field data.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to document and present research clearly.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience in developing digital twin architectures and integrating real-time data.
• Understanding of control systems, including dynamic response and actuator constraints.
• Familiarity with CFD/FEA tools for thermal and structural analysis.
• A track record of interdisciplinary collaboration, especially with AI, controls, or hardware teams.
• Knowledge of fuel cell stack and balance-of-plant component modelling

Further Information 

We are recruiting for two vacancies one is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis with an expected duration of 17 months and the other is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis with an expected duration of 6 months. Please disclose your interest at application stage. 

For informal discussions about the role please contact Tom Fletcher (tpf25@bath.ac.uk) or Carl Sangan (cms20@bath.ac.uk)

We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but demonstrate strong potential and passion for the role. If you’re excited by the opportunity and believe you can contribute meaningfully, we’d love to hear from you.

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 and 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.

We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. An accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

What we can offer you

We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace 
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

 

Closing Date: 28 Sep 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,784 to £46,049

IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.