JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Research Fellow (Laser ignition of gas turbines)

DEPARTMENT: School of Engineering

LOCATION: Brayford Campus, Lincoln

POST NUMBER: ENG5036

GRADE: 7

DATE: September 2011

DURATION:Fixed term – 12 months

FTE:Full-Time 1.0

Context

The School of Engineering at the University of Lincoln was founded in 2009, the first new School of its kind for more than 20 years. A £37M, 5-year development is currently underway, with a brand new state-of-the-art engineering building having been completed this summer. Key to this success is a long-term relationship with Siemens.

Amongst its broad research base in the areas of Industrial Power and Energy, the School is now hosting substantial research activity, in collaboration with Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery Lincoln (SITL), to investigate and develop a technique for laser ignition of gas turbines. Emphasis will be on the development of knowledge of laser beam-fuel interaction, the ignition/combustion range of gas turbine fuels and the move of an initial laser ignition system to full-size test facilities. This project represents a key strategic goal for SITL and as such, is highly prestigious.

Job Purpose

The University of Lincoln was awarded HEFCE Strategic Development Fund money to establish a new school of engineering at its Brayford Campus in the centre of Lincoln. This is a groundbreaking initiative, in close collaboration with SITL and other employers, which seeks to develop engineering education for the 21st century. With a specialism in power and energy, and the scope to develop related areas including control, combustion and power transmission, the school offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees as well as engaging in research, knowledge transfer and employer engagement. The successful candidate will join the dynamic and rapidly expanding Laser Engineering Group which is well on its way achieving a world-class reputation for high quality academic research and industrial relevance.

Research Project

This one-year work-programme, which has real potential to become a three-year project, will focus on the research and development of an experimental system for the laser ignition of gas turbines, with the ultimate aim of moving this system on to a full-size atmospheric combustion rig. To achieve this the main areas of research will be the laser beam-fuel interaction and the ignition/combustion range of gas turbine fuels.This project involves an experimental research programme using purpose built facilities and in parallel, the development of a novel and superior replacement for current ignition systems in Siemens gas turbines.It is vital for the researcher to have in-depth experience of using and conducting research on high power lasers and detailed knowledge of ignition and combustion.Broader knowledge of mechanical engineering and gas turbines would also be an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

  • Undertake literature surveys and other investigations of the state-of-the-art, and prepare reports as required.
  • Design and undertake a programme of research under the direction of the Principal Investigator, demonstrating a significant level of autonomy.
  • Be engaged with and instrumental to the experimental ignition system design and build process.
  • Perform project management activities, planning, scheduling, monitoring and reporting on progress of research projects.
  • Identify and liaise with internal and external collaborators, and with colleagues in the Department, maintaining positive and effective working relationships.
  • Participate in and help to organize internal research activities, including seminars, research meetings and conferences.
  • Undertake continuous professional development activities.
  • Lead in the production of high quality research outputs including reports, papers and other publications of national/international standing.
  • Contribute to the production of research grant applications.
  • Engage in teaching support activities, up to a maximum of six hours per week, possibly including leading a small number of units (no more than two per annum).
  • Aid in the supervision of postgraduate research students, particularly those employed on related projects

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

INTERNAL

Principal Investigator, Head of School, other research and academic staff within School

EXTERNAL

Research Collaborators, Sponsors and Clients

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title: Research Fellow Post Number:ENG5036 Date:September 2011

Selection Criteria

/ Essential (E) or Desirable (D) / Where Evidenced
Application, Interview, References
Knowledge, Training and Qualifications:
  • BEng, BSc or PhD in relevant subject area.
  • Extensive knowledge specific to project/area including lasers, experimental methods, and general mechanical engineering background.
  • Knowledge of ignition and combustion.
  • Knowledge of gas turbines.
/ E
E
D
D / A
A/I
A/I
A/I
Experience:
  • Extensive experience of relevant research methods.
  • Research experience with experimental hardware.
  • Authorship of research outputs of national/international standing.
/ D
D
D / A/I
A/I
A/I
Skills:
  • Ability to design, conduct and project manage original research in the subject area.
  • Excellent written communication, including the ability to write reports and research outputs.
  • Ability to prioritise own workload and work to specified deadlines under pressure.
Ability to communicate complex subjects orally. / E
E
E
E
E / A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
Personal Qualities:
  • Flexible approach to workload.
  • Ability to work on own and as part of a team.
  • Enthusiasm and commitment.
/ E
E
E / I
I
I

Essential Requirements are those without which a candidate would not be able to do the job.

Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.