Associate Professor/Assistant Professor

University of Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

flexible working

excellent family-friendly policies

onsite childcare

generous pension scheme

competitive holiday allowance

subsidised health and fitness facilit­

cycle-to-work scheme

comprehensive range of staff benefits

Job summary

The University of Southampton invites applications for an Associate Professor/Assistant Professor in Astronautics. We seek outstanding academics to strengthen our space engineering research and expand teaching activities in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Candidates should have a PhD and be able to engage with government, industry and international partners. We offer a supportive environment with strong facilities and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD required or equivalent professional qualification.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen research in space engineering and expand teaching activities.
• Collaborate with government, industry and international partners.
• Engage students through research-led teaching.

Skills

Space engineering

Astronautics

GNSS

Drones

Robotics

AI

Education

PhD

Job description

3483226DA - Associate Professor/Assistant Professor

• (Lecturer) roles in Astronautics

Company: University of Southampton

Salary: £46,049 - £74,851

Hours: Full-time

Location: Southampton, SO17 1BJ

Working pattern: On-site

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 17 Aug 2026

Closing date: 16 Sept 2026

Summary

Engineer a new world

We are one of the UK's largest engineering faculties. Join our team, show us how to think even bigger - and we'll help you explore what you are capable of, and inspire future generations to exceed their potential in our world-renowned university.

The Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics is growing, and we would like you to join our Astronautics Research Group to strengthen our internationally recognised research in space engineering and expand our teaching activities.

Have you got a passion for shaping the future of space engineering? We are looking for outstanding academics whose work will strengthen our growing activities in Astronautics. We welcome applications from candidates with expertise in one or more areas including space sustainability, in-space assembly and manufacturing (ISAM), space mission design, guidance, navigation and control, propulsion, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), spacecraft dynamics, autonomous space systems, drones, robotics, resilient electronics and computing for space, space domain awareness, satellite communications, and AI and data-driven methods for space applications. We are particularly interested in applicants whose research complements our existing strengths, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and creates new opportunities for engagement with government, industry and international partners.

The University of Southampton is a unique place in which to explore what you are capable of. Inspiring thousands of students every year to explore their strengths and forge life-changing discoveries, we open up a wealth of opportunities for the most inquisitive minds. We have recently launched our Southampton Space Institute and you will also be part of a University-wide initiative that builds on more than 65 years of excellence in space research and education.

Join us, and you'll have the scope to create your own opportunities. One of our colleagues recently secured a prestigious International Research Fellowship alongside investment in facilities as part of continuing to grow an internationally recognised research programme. As she prepares for maternity leave, the Department continues to support both her research ambitions and career progression, reflecting our commitment to creating an environment in which talented academics can thrive at every stage of their career.

To make the most of this incredible opportunity, you will need to be PhD qualified, or have a relevant professional qualification. Your research track-record will be impressive, and you will be passionate about working in partnership with others. You will demonstrate a real enthusiasm for your discipline with great communication skills that engage students in their learning, be that one-to-one or in group sessions.

In return, we offer a supportive and inclusive environment and are Athena SWAN Bronze recognised.

• flexible working
• excellent family-friendly policies
• onsite childcare
• generous pension scheme
• competitive holiday allowance
• subsidised health and fitness facilities
• cycle-to-work scheme
• comprehensive range of staff benefits

Upon appointment the post title will be either Lecturer or Associate Professor in Aeronautics and Astronautics.

For details about the department:

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/faculties-schools-departments/school-of-engineering#overview

For information about our undergraduate programmes:

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/aeronautics-and-astronautics-degree-meng#modules

For informal enquiries, please contact:

Prof Simon Cox ([e-mail])

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.