Graduate Research Assistant

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

This full-time post is available from 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2024 on a fixed term contract.

Clean Maritime Demonstrator Call 3: TRANSSHIP II

The Centre for Future Clean Mobility (CFCM) has won funding to innovate, design, assemble and test a new zero emissions powertrain for a new ship, as a partner in a large consortium of businesses. The funded project is called TRANSSHIP II and will result in a new 400 tonne workboat vessel.

The Centre for Future Clean Mobility at University of Exeter, is leading development of clean mobility technology for vehicles and vessels in many sectors, including maritime, rail, off-highway, construction, defence amongst others.

The post

The Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) to support the work of Professor Chris. W. Smith at the Centre for Future Clean Mobility (CFCM). The work will focus on developing zero emission powertrain solutions for a 400 tonne workboat as part of an Innovate UK funded project – TRANSSHIP II. The post will work collaboratively on research and development at CFCM with its industrial partners, including the leading industrial and academic partners working in clean maritime.

The successful applicant will contribute in developing a simulation model which imposes various real-world duty cycles on zero emission equipment. Further to this you will also work on data capture of duty cycles on real vessels, and within the CFCM facility laboratory on assembly and test of powertrains, including high power batteries and motors. Some work on assembly of prototype powertrains may take place at the premises of the industrial partners based across the UK.

The graduate must work closely with the multidisciplinary project team at the CFCM and support its industrial partners in a range of activities. You will work on the design, assembly and test of the zero-emissions powertrains. A good understanding of electrical power systems for vehicles or vessels, or more particularly of hybrid and zero-emissions powertrains is preferable. Regular open discussions between project partners is paramount to the success of your work, as the GRA you will be responsible for contributing to verbal and written reports both to internal and external parties.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. You should be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 and the 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities released by Shanghai Rankings).

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We are using the power of our education and research to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future. Our shared purpose and vision continually moves us forward to make a difference to our people, our communities, our partners and the world around us. Read about our world leading research on Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO City of Literature

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

For further information please contact Professor Chris W Smith, e-mail c.w.smith@exeter.ac.uk, phone telephone (01392) 723652.

The closing date for completed applications is Monday 12th June. Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 7th July.