Research Associate (Digital Hydraulic Fluid Power) (KP13103) – Bath, BA2 7AY

Overview

Research Associate (Digital Hydraulic Fluid Power) (KP13103) – Bath, BA2 7AY

About the role

We are looking for a Research Associate to play a key role in the design and development of digital hydraulic fluid power technologies and control systems. The role is funded by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, entitled “Digital Hydraulic Fluid Power Technologies for Decarbonising Off-road Vehicles”, in collaboration with industrial partners. 

Hydraulic fluid power offers significant advantages, including high power density, compact size, lightweight design, fast responsiveness, and effective controllability. This project focuses on designing, developing, and prototyping digital hydraulic technologies and control systems to improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and lower CO2 emissions in off-road vehicles. Additionally, it presents opportunities for interdisciplinary research on efficient actuation mechanisms.

You will be responsible for delivering high-quality research on the topic, including:

• Design and modelling of digital hydraulic fluid power technologies
• Prototyping, validating and evaluating digital hydraulic converters.
• Digital fluid power system integration onto an off-road vehicle and experimental validations.
• Life-cycle assessment of the digital hydraulic technology

This role will suit you if you 

• Hold a PhD degree in a subject area of direct relevance to the project.
• Have previous experience in one or more of the following: modelling, design, control or prototyping of fluid power components and systems.
• Have excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
• Are self-motivated and have excellent communication skills.

You will be responsible for planning and performing research activities and will be expected to take an active role in supporting PhD and undergraduate research students within the laboratory. You should possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively as part of a team and present your work to a range of audiences. 

Further Information

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year

This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term for 27 months basis.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Professor Min Pan (mp351@bath.ac.uk)

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded. 

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

What we can offer you:

We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace 
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

 

Closing Date: 07 Nov 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,784 to £46,049