Imperial College London
Department of Chemical Engineering
Job Description
Job Title
Research Associate
Grade
Academic and Research, Level B
Responsible to
Dr Christos Markides
Key Working Relationships
Interact with other RAs and PhD students of Dr C. Markides’
group (internal) and with other personnel related to the
project (e.g. Professor S. Kalliadasis, Dr B. van Wachem,
and their RAs and students), as well as other internal
personnel as an Expert User of the Optical Diagnostics
facility.
Key Working Relationships
Interact with external collaborators and sponsors of the
group of Dr. C. Markides (external).
Purpose of the post
The post involves the experimental study of the flow and heat transfer characteristics of films
flowing over heated surfaces with advanced optical (laser-based) diagnostics
Key Responsibilities
 To design and construct an experimental apparatus for the detailed investigation of films
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flowing down an inclined heated substrate, and also of gas-/shear-driven horizontal films on
a locally heated substrate
To design and develop suitable measurement techniques for the spatiotemporal
measurement of film thickness, velocity, temperature and heat flux
To perform fluid flow and heat transfer measurements in the flows of interest
To extend the apparatus so that it provides an ability to study the effects of surface
corrugation/patterning
To transfer knowledge and interact with complementary CFD studies undertaken by separate
theoretical-computational RAs
Reporting to group meetings and meetings with collaborators
Dissemination of techniques and scientific results through talks at conferences and meetings
(NB: likely to involve international travel)
To plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims
To take initiatives in the planning of research
To identify and develop suitable experimental techniques, and apparatus, for the collection
and analysis of data
To conduct data analysis
To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
To write reports for submission to research sponsors and regular reports summarising key
research findings
To submit publications to refereed journals
To provide guidance to staff and students
 To develop contacts and establish and maintain research collaborations within the College
and the wider community
 To promote the reputation of the group, the Department and the College
Other duties
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To attend relevant workshops, meetings and/or conferences
To undertake any necessary training and/or development as required
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line manager /
supervisor
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the key policies
and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data Protection, Equal
Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety, Imperial Expectations (for new
leaders, managers and supervisors), Information Technology, Private Engagements and
Register of Interests, and Smoking.
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out on the
College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities page
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements).
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to undertake
other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination.
All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in its Equal Opportunities in
Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and all other relevant
guidance/practice frameworks.
Person Specification
Applicants are required to demonstrate that they possess the following attributes:
Imperial Expectations:
These are the 7 principles that Imperial leaders, managers and supervisors are expected to follow:
1) Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2) Communicate regularly and effectively within, and across, teams
3) Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
4) Deliver positive outcomes
5) Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
6) Support and develop staff/colleagues to optimise talent
7) Work in a planned and managed way
Qualifications:
 Good MSc/MEng or equivalent in Thermofluids/Fluid Mechanics/Heat Transfer/Multiphase Flows
 PhD or equivalent in an area that is related closely to fluid mechanics, along with an
excellent knowledge of heat transfer
Knowledge and Experience:
 Experience in laser-based measurement techniques is required
 A good knowledge or familiarity with multiphase interfacial fluid mechanics
 Knowledge and experience of the fundamentals of thin film flows and their heat transfer
characteristics are desirable
Skills and Abilities:
 Ability to develop and apply techniques for the measurement of film thickness, velocity,
temperature and heat flux
 Ability to design and construct an experiment apparatus for the study of the flows under
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investigation
Ability to interact with parallel modelling efforts of the flows of interest
Creative approach to problem-solving
Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication
Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Computer skills including word-processing, spreadsheets, data searching
Personal Attributes:
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Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Flexible attitude towards work
Discipline and high regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Ability to work towards deliverable deadlines
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct research and
attend conferences