Post-Doctoral Researcher in Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (UK National Clean Maritime Hub) - Fixed-term contract role until March 2028

We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (UK National Clean Maritime Hub) to join the Department of Engineering at Birmingham City University.

In this role, you will undertake leading research into the performance and application of wind-assisted ship propulsion technologies, contributing to the development of robust methods for assessing their potential to reduce ship energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. You will also contribute to BCU's commitments within the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub, working with project partners to deliver high-quality research outputs, publications, technical guidance, and impact.

Key Responsibilities:
- Undertake research into wind-assisted ship propulsion and its contribution to maritime decarbonisation.
- Develop and apply appropriate analytical, numerical, and/or performance-prediction methods.
- Analyse ship and wind propulsion performance data and evaluate potential reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Contribute to the development and validation of methodologies for assessing wind-assisted propulsion technologies.
- Work collaboratively with researchers across BCU, the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub and relevant industry partners.
- Prepare high-quality journal papers, conference papers, technical reports, and other research outputs.
- Present research findings at project meetings, conferences, workshops, and stakeholder events.
- Contribute to knowledge exchange and engagement with the maritime industry and other stakeholders.
- Support the delivery of agreed project milestones and research outputs, with an opportunity to gain experience of supervising PhD and MRes students.
- Contribute to the development of follow-on research proposals and opportunities arising from the project.

Essential Requirements:
- A PhD (or near completion), or equivalent research experience, in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of engineering analysis, modelling, or performance prediction.
- Experience of numerical modelling, computational methods, data analysis, or related engineering research methods.
- Ability to undertake independent research and deliver high-quality research outputs.
- Evidence of academic writing and the ability to communicate research findings clearly.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to deliver work to agreed deadlines.

Desirable Requirements:
- Knowledge or experience of wind-assisted ship propulsion, ship performance, sailing aerodynamics, or marine renewable technologies.
- Understanding of maritime decarbonisation and greenhouse gas reduction.
- Experience of programming or engineering analysis software, for example Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.
- Experience of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience of working with industry or within collaborative research projects.
- Awareness of international maritime environmental regulations and the evolving regulatory framework for shipping emissions.

Benefits:
- Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
- Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
- Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
- Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Prof JB Souppez at jb.souppez@bcu.ac.uk