Birmingham City University
Post-Doctoral Researcher in Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (UK National Clean Maritime Hub) - Fixed-term contract role until March 2028
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Role Summary
We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (UK National Clean Maritime Hub) to join our Department of Engineering, supporting the delivery of high-quality services across the University.
In this role, you will undertake leading research into the performance and application of wind-assisted ship propulsion technologies, contributing to the development of robust methods for assessing their potential to reduce ship energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. You will also contribute to BCU's commitments within the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub, working with project partners to deliver high-quality research outputs, publications, technical guidance, and impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake research into wind-assisted ship propulsion and its contribution to maritime decarbonisation.
- Develop and apply appropriate analytical, numerical, and/or performance-prediction methods.
- Analyse ship and wind propulsion performance data and evaluate potential reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Contribute to the development and validation of methodologies for assessing wind-assisted propulsion technologies.
- Work collaboratively with researchers across BCU, the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub and relevant industry partners.
- Prepare high-quality journal papers, conference papers, technical reports, and other research outputs.
- Present research findings at project meetings, conferences, workshops, and stakeholder events.
- Contribute to knowledge exchange and engagement with the maritime industry and other stakeholders.
- Support the delivery of agreed project milestones and research outputs, with an opportunity to gain experience of supervising PhD and MRes students.
- Contribute to the development of follow-on research proposals and opportunities arising from the project.
Essential Requirements
- A PhD (or near completion), or equivalent research experience, in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of engineering analysis, modelling, or performance prediction.
- Experience of numerical modelling, computational methods, data analysis, or related engineering research methods.
- Ability to undertake independent research and deliver high-quality research outputs.
- Evidence of academic writing and the ability to communicate research findings clearly.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to deliver work to agreed deadlines.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Desirable Requirements
- Knowledge or experience of wind-assisted ship propulsion, ship performance, sailing aerodynamics, or marine renewable technologies.
- Understanding of maritime decarbonisation and greenhouse gas reduction.
- Experience of programming or engineering analysis software, for example Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.
- Experience of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience of working with industry or within collaborative research projects.
- Awareness of international maritime environmental regulations and the evolving regulatory framework for shipping emissions.
Further Information
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of Clean Maritime and Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Prof JB Souppez at jb.souppez@bcu.ac.uk
Interviews for this are envisioned to take place in the week commencing 16 November 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, and encourage you to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Why Work for Us
- Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
- Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
- Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
- Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Visa Sponsorship
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Further Details
Job Description
Email details to a friend
Apply Online
Use of AI in applications
At BCU, we welcome applications that clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. AI tools may be used to support you in preparing your application, but the information you provide must be accurate, authentic and based on your own experience. Applications that rely too heavily on AI, appear generic or do not provide specific evidence against the role criteria are less likely to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process. For more information, please refer to our candidate guidance; How to Apply - Jobs at Birmingham City University
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
Disability Confident Employer
Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.
The appointed candidate will be employed through BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University, and will be automatically enrolled into the BCU Support Services Pension Scheme (BCUSS), subject to earnings and other eligibility criteria.
Share
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London