Research Fellow in Laser Surface Texturing for Aerodynamic Drag Reduction

Are you a researcher looking for your first challenge? Do you have a background in computational fluid dynamics and in modelling turbulent boundary-layer behaviour? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities?

This is a short-term position to evaluate a method of engraining microscale riblet-like structures on the surface of aerospace vehicles using laser texturing. Riblets are streamwise grooves on a surface that have been shown to reduce skin friction drag in flows with turbulent boundary layers, with aerospace and marine applications. The small streamwise grooves mimic the denticles of shark skin. 

The role will use your skills in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to develop a computational modelling framework using large eddy simulation (LES). This framework will determine the effect of surface texturing on sub-boundary layer flow structures and skin friction at typical aerospace Reynolds numbers, allowing a detailed understanding of this interaction to be elucidated. You will have a background in CFD and fluid mechanics and experience in modelling turbulent boundary-layer behaviour, as well as being able to demonstrate innovative approaches to solving problems. 

This post will see you working with an industry partner who are expert in advanced manufacturing and computational mechanics modelling. You will be based in Leeds but expected to travel in the UK to work alongside this industry partner. You will also use your skills in interdisciplinary research to communicate your findings to researchers with a range of backgrounds.

The project is in collaboration with the Manufacturing Technology Centre, who are expert in advanced manufacturing and computational mechanics modelling, and you will be expected to spend approximately 100 days at their Liverpool office working with their modelling team.

This role will be based at the university of Leeds campus and there is scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Andrew Shires, Associate Professor Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

Email: A.Shires@leeds.ac.uk

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit the Government’s page, Apply for the Global Talent visa. 

What we offer in return

26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 14.5% of salary. Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more! 

Closing Date: 23 Jul 2025

Section: Research

Salary: £39,355 to £46,735 p.a. Due to funding restrictions, an appointment will not be made higher than £39,355 p.a.