Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Imperial College London
United Kingdom

Introducing a joint venture between The Grantham Institute for Climate Science and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, applications are invited for a new Lecturer or Senior Lecturer focussing on Thermal Management and Electrical Machines. A formal collaboration as part of the Vehicle Futures Hub (VFH), this position will spend three years establishing strong connections with The Grantham Institute and its collaborators, to enhance their actions on clean technology.

After the initial three years, the postholder will formally transfer to the Department of Mechanical Engineering to continue their Academic career.

The Vehicle Futures Hub (VFH) will respond to the global challenge of creating net zero transportation systems through the coordination of research activities across Imperial College from electrification to decarbonising fuel production, including road, rail, off-road, marine, and aviation, alongside creating sustainable supply chains and energy systems. Taking a systems engineering approach, the VFH will coordinate interdisciplinary teams and work with industry to solve problems together and deliver real world impact.

This post will be integral to the strategic goals of investing in research to transition to a sustainable zero-pollution economy. The VFH takes a systems engineering approach to the challenges facing transport, and this newly created post will stimulate the development of new programmes, generate new grant income and further the investment in research around climate change and environmental technologies, aligning with Imperial College’s four strategic themes in support of a Sustainable, Healthy, Smart, and Resilient society.

The postholder will be expected to have a clear interest in policy and societal engagement in relation to environmental science and will deliver teaching for Undergraduate and Masters-level courses, including as part of a college-wide elective undergraduate climate change module.  

• As a member of Academic Staff, you will broaden the College’s research capabilities, complementing our existing strengths.
• During the first three years, you will be responsible for delivering a programme of activity related to electric motors, as agreed by the Grantham Institute and the Department of Mechanical Engineering; bridging the gap between engineering and climate science technologies, and working to inform decision-making business and policy.
• You will drive forward research and collaborations across the areas of climate and environmental change and contribute to teaching portfolio’s and training programmes.
• You will represent the VFH and Grantham Institute at symposiums, conferences and forums, bolstering their reputations and taking an active role in the planning of the VFH.
• Participate in Institute and/or Department administrative roles, attending relevant operational and strategic committees and working groups as required.

We are looking for someone passionate about making a difference in the world as part of a supportive collaborative team focussed on delivering results and contributing towards establishing a world leading research strategy in Thermal Management and Electrical Machines.

A strong desire to help train and inspire the next generation of engineering leaders, who will accelerate this transition from the front is essential.

• We require you to be educated to a minimum of doctoral level, in a relevant Engineering subject, with a specific focus on Thermal Management with applications in Electrical Machines.
• It is crucial that you have a national (and international, for Senior Lecturer) reputation in Thermal Management (commensurate with career stage).
• You will have experience of preparing grant applications for submission.

Please see the Further Particulars (downloadable below) for the full description of the position.

• Integration into a consortium of experts in their fields driving change towards a zero-pollution economy
• Competitive start up package within the UK Academic sector
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 38 days off a year)

We especially welcome applications from under-represented groups within Engineering and Academia, such as women and BAME candidates.

Queries relating to the position should be directed to the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s Resource team at me-hr.requests@imperial.ac.uk. All candidates will be contacted after the shortlisting is completed. Interviews are expected to be held in January/February 2025.

For more information on the Vehicle Futures Hub, please visit our webpage: Vehicle Futures Hub homepage.

How to apply

Please apply online using the link provided, uploading any relevant supporting documents which should include:

• Comprehensive 2-page CV which should include:

• Degrees & other relevant qualifications (including universities and dates);
• Past and present positions,
• Memberships, awards, certifications and training courses,
• Noteworthy talks and engagements (e.g., keynote speeches etc),

• Publication list, with your top four publications highlighted and containing links to the full text.

Applications that do not include information in this format may not be considered.
We politely request that applicants do not upload full text copies of their publications (unless online access is restricted). Please endeavour to keep answers to specific application sections within the free text character limit provided.