Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to “Numerical Modelling of Superconducting Cables” working with “Propulsion, Electrification & Superconductivity” group in the research disciplines of “Aerospace” and “Electronics and Electrical Engineering”.

We are seeking a highly-motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work on the numerical modelling and testing of superconducting cables for aircraft electric powertrain DC networks.

This position is part of an advanced multi-million Pounds research project aimed at enabling high-power, lightweight, and efficient, electrical systems for next-generation aircraft. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, modelling, and validation of superconducting cable technologies for aeronautical applications, with significant engagement with leading industrial players in the aerospace and power systems sectors.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project/disciplinary area as opportunities allow.

Research Topics

*         Numerical modelling of superconducting cables (electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical and/or coupled Multiphysics models), ideally using MATLAB/Simulink and m-file

*         Analysis of DC operation in aircraft powertrain networks

*         Modelling of fault, defects, stability, and quench behaviour

*         Model validation of superconducting cables using experimental testing on mock sample

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.         Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2.         Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3.         Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/School/Research Group/area, including establishing and sustaining a track record of publications of international quality, enhancing the research impact.

4.         Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

5.         Survey the research literature in form of report and publication, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy to deliver project/area requirements and opportunities, under the guidance of the Principle/Co-Investigator.

6.         Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars within and outside of research group and UoG, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research and/or impact profile.

7.         Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research and impact.

8.         Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations under the guidance of the Principle/Co-Investigator with colleagues across the research group/area/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).

9.         Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

10.      Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

11.      Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets/expenditure.

12.      Contribute as appropriate to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating, etc) and associated administration, as may be assigned through the School in consultation with your line manager.

13.      Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

14.      Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with University strategy.

15.      Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager and the Head of School.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Requirements

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience, in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field

A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the relevant research disciplines as outlined in the Job Purpose/Specifications.

A3 Well-developed working knowledge of research methods, technical models, equipment and techniques relevant to the project/discipline as outlined in the Job Purpose/Specifications.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Strong background and track record in modelling of superconducting cable or relevant large scale devices

C2 Proficiency in numerical tools (e.g. MATLAB Simulink and m-file, Python, FEM-based software including COMSOL, ANSYS, or equivalent)

C3 Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity. We are looking for excellent scientific writing and communication skills in English.

C4 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities. We are looking for absolute punctuality and excellent time management to meet delivery deadlines, due to the critical nature of the project.

C6 Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary, multicultural team (14 researchers and academic in Propulsion, Electrification & Superconductivity group)

C7 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C8 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

C9 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C10 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

Desirable:

D1 Skills in the experimental testing of superconductors or cryogenic systems.

Experience

Essential

E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher.

E2 Project or subject specific experience in superconducting cable or superconductor numerical modelling.

E3 Experience of conducting systematic reviews in relevant area.

E4 Experience of scientific writing of reports, conference proceedings, and journal papers.

E5 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner. Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School objectives.

E6 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

E7 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E8 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E9 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage, including some experience of research project supervision.

E10 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

E11 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.

Desirable:

F1 An emerging national or international reputation.

F1 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.

F2 Experience of participating in activities that translate research into impact.

F3 Experience of contributing to the design and delivery of teaching and assessment in higher education or other relevant environments.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Wenjuan Song, Wenjuan.Song@glasgow.ac.uk and Dr Mohammad Yazdani-Asrami, Mohammad.Yazdani-Asrami@glasgow.ac.uk 

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 years.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing date : 13 April 2026 @23 :45