Research Associate in innovative contoured nozzles for cold spraying high-performance materials

Join the University of Leicester’s School of Engineering as a Research Associate in a cutting-edge international project focused on cold spraying high-performance materials. This part-time (0.8 FTE) fixed-term role until June 2026 offers the opportunity to contribute to the “US-UK joint research in innovative contoured nozzles” initiative.

You’ll apply the Zavalan and Rona (2023) nozzle design workflow to optimize nozzle shapes for the VRC Gen III/IV cold spray systems. Using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics and Dispersed Particle Modelling in ANSYS Fluent, you’ll lead parametric shape optimization through automated processes involving Matlab, FORTRAN90, ICEMCFD, and Linux scripting on high-performance computing platforms.

International collaboration is key—twice during the project, you’ll travel to the USA for delivering, as instructor, hands-on demonstrations and training at the funder’s premises. You’ll also contribute to publications, present at conferences, and support the development of future research bids.

You’re a motivated and forward-thinking researcher with a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and a passion for multi-disciplinary collaboration. Your expertise spans compressible aerodynamics, powder technology, computer-based optimisation, and numerical modelling—making you ideally suited to tackle complex challenges in advanced manufacturing.

You’ve worked closely with major governmental agencies to push the boundaries of high-performance metallic coatings, and you’re eager to introduce innovative, environmentally sustainable powder spray processes that align with global sustainability goals.

Your technical toolkit includes modelling particle-laden compressible jets, CFD, and the Methods of Characteristics for aerodynamic design. You’re confident navigating high-performance computing environments and integrating tools like Matlab, FORTRAN90, and ANSYS Fluent into automated workflows.

You’re also a natural collaborator—ready to build an international network through one or two short academic visits to the USA, where you’ll engage with global experts and contribute to knowledge exchange. Whether working independently or as part of a team, you bring clarity, curiosity, and commitment to everything you do.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Aldo Rona, Associate Professor Fluid Dynamics and Turbomachinery at [email protected] or (0116) 2522510.