Research Associate in Superconducting Aircraft Propulsion Motors

UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum

CSE / School of Engineering

Full Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: up to 24 months

The Opportunity

Develop the future of sustainable aviation

Where curiosity becomes impact

With roles from hospitality to research, there’s a career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. We can offer opportunities for you to develop in your career and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large.

We offer careers and roles in just about every area you can think of. Whether you are looking for entry-level, mid-career or roles at the top of your chosen specialism, we can offer you a career where you can flourish and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large. Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing their abilities and experiences to our organisation. ​

The University isn’t just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. Our people have helped create the modern world and are working on more ground-breaking technologies and practices. Join the University of Edinburgh and you’ll be making a difference to everything around you

The University of Edinburgh is a world-leading research-intensive university (QS ranking top 35), committed to excellence, innovation and making a positive contribution to society. As part of our diverse and inclusive community, you will work with colleagues at the SuperMachine Group and the Superconducting Electrical Futures (SEF) Lab in the School of Engineering, who share a passion for addressing global net zero challenges through superconducting technologies.

The School of Engineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Superconducting Aircraft Propulsion Motors to join a €5m Horizon Europe consortium project led by Dr Hongye Zhang at the University of Edinburgh. This 24-month, full-time role will contribute to the development of superconducting motor windings for fully electric, hydrogen fuel-cell-powered aircraft.

You will undertake research involving the multiphysics modelling, design, testing and evaluation of superconducting propulsion motor technologies. You will work closely with Dr Hongye Zhang and EU/UK academic/industrial partners across the project consortium, contributing to project milestones, technical reports, publications and presentations.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a PhD, or equivalent experience, in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, thermal engineering, aerospace engineering, physics or a related discipline. You should have strong analytical and research skills, together with knowledge or experience relevant to electric machines, applied superconductivity, or aerospace technologies. Experience with electro-mechanical-thermal modelling, cryogenic systems, superconducting materials, motor windings or hydrogen-electric propulsion would be advantageous.

The role offers an opportunity to contribute to internationally significant research addressing the transition to cleaner aviation. Occasional travel to consortium meetings, conferences or partner facilities may be required. Laboratory work may involve cryogenic liquids, including liquid nitrogen, and will be supported by appropriate training and risk assessments.

We encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences who can contribute to our values of excellence, integrity, inclusion, relevance and ambition. Apply now to join the project team and help develop innovative propulsion technologies for the future of sustainable aviation.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle, including: 

• A competitive pension scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Staff discounts and a wide range of health and wellbeing support
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Family-friendly and inclusive policies
• Employee networks and support for a diverse and welcoming community

This is a full-time post of 35 hours per week . We are open to considering flexible working patterns and requests for hybrid working, on a non-contractual basis, combining remote work with regular on-campus attendance. Due to the laboratory and collaborative nature of the role, regular on-campus working will be required.

Click her to view the full job description (opens in a new browser tab)

How to apply

Please submit the following documents with your application:

• Curriculum vitae (CV), including your research experience, publications and relevant technical skills.
• Cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your qualifications and experience meet the essential criteria.
• Details of two referees, including your current or most recent line manager or academic supervisor. References will normally be requested at a later stage, subject to your permission.

Please ensure that your application clearly addresses the essential criteria in the job description. For informal enquiries, please contact Hongye Zhang at ***email_hidden*** .

As a valued member of our team, you can expect: 

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page  (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from candidates from groups currently underrepresented in engineering and academic research, as we are committed to improving diversity and inclusion in our community.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages  (opens new browser tab)

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 15 September 2026.

Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK , the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone.