Technical Specialist (Experimental Aerodynamics)

We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive technical specialist in experimental aerodynamics to join our dynamic technical operations team. The technical specialist will work on an infrastructure project sponsored by UKRI to transfer a 2m x 2m cycling wind tunnel into a world-class research facility for studying human-flow interactions. In the first three years, he/she will be responsible for (i) carrying out an upgrade of the wind tunnel facility to increase its testing capabilities; (ii) setting up a number of the state-of-the-art flow diagnostic equipment for the tunnel including thermography, robotic PIV, real-time wake visualizer and 4D body scanner. In Year 4, he/she will become the tunnel manager and provide technical support to the research and teaching activities in the tunnel by internal and external users. This project provides an exciting opportunity to work with the Great Britain Cycling Team and The UK Institute of Sport contributing directly to their Olympic
Programme and delivering new insights and opportunities to UK Sport's celebrated 'Marginal Gains' strategy with potential to enable record-breaking results in international contest.

As this role involves research at a postgraduate level, applicants who are not an EEA national or a national of an exempt country and who will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK Visas and Immigration's (UKVI) Points Based System in order to take up the role, will be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate and will need to obtain this prior to making any official visa application UKVI)

What can you expect in return

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk) is one of the largest single-site universities in the UK, with one of the biggest student communities. In total, 25 Nobel Prize winners have worked or studied here and 93% of our research was ranked as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' by the Research Excellence Framework in 2021. Furthermore more than nine out of ten of our recent graduates go straight into employment or continued studies. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) comprises two multi-discipline Schools; the School of Engineering and the School of Natural Sciences, each led by a Head of School and Head of School Operations. The School of Engineering is made up of seven academic departments and the School of Natural Sciences is made up of five academic departments. For more information please visit https://www.se.manchester.ac.uk/.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme


• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme


• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays


• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period


• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers


As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.