Research Assistant in Water Lubrication System Hydrodynamics (Fixed term)

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

The Liverpool Logistics Offshore and Marine Research Institute (LOOM), based within the School of Engineering at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), is internationally recognised for its work on large marine, offshore, port, transport, and logistics systems. Our research outputs have been rated 96% world-leading or internationally excellent, with 100% of our impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

This is a 4-month fixed-term post which offers an exciting opportunity to work within a leading research institute and contribute to a potentially transformative innovation in sustainable shipping. You will work under the direction of Dr Eddie Blanco-Davis and collaborate closely with project partners.

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Research Assistant with expertise in hydrodynamics, two-phase flows, and numerical simulation techniques, particularly Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to contribute to an exciting research project in maritime decarbonisation.

This role is part of the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub Wave 2 Flexible Funding project H2O Colorado, which explores an innovative drag reduction technique for ships via water injection beneath the hull within the turbulent boundary layer. You will undertake numerical modelling, data analysis, and contribute to the development of a predictive model for drag reduction.

You should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Marine, Mechanical, Offshore or Naval Engineering, or a related physical or mathematical science discipline. Experience with CFD tools such as Star-CCM+, high-performance computing, and knowledge of two-phase flow are essential. Additional desirable experience includes fluid-structure interaction, working with classification societies, and familiarity with the decarbonisation agenda in the maritime industry.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Blanco-Davis at E.E.BlancoDavis@ljmu.ac.uk.

We are committed to promoting equality and diversity across all aspects of our work, including through the Athena SWAN charter. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups and all appointments will be made on merit.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.

LJMU are committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro-rata).