Associate Professor in Control Engineering

WISE Campaign; Oxford; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Oxford seeks an Associate Professor in Engineering Science specializing in Control Engineering, to start from August 2026. The role involves conducting ground-breaking research and teaching undergraduates. A doctorate in a relevant field is essential, along with a strong publication record and teaching experience. The successful candidate will be part of a vibrant academic community, aiming to contribute to diverse research areas and secure additional funding. A competitive salary is offered, reflecting the candidate's experience.

Qualifications

• PhD or close to completion in Control Engineering or similar.
• Proven research track record with peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong teaching capabilities across various levels.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research in Control Engineering.
• Teach undergraduate courses including lectures and labs.
• Develop an independent research program and obtain funding.

Skills

Research collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Teaching at undergraduate level

Communication skills

Education

Doctorate in Control Engineering or similar

Job description

The Department of Engineering Science intends to appoint an Associate Professor of Engineering Science (Control Engineering) from 1st August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidate will work at the Department of Engineering Science (Central Oxford, OX1 3PJ) and will be offered a Non-Tutorial Fellowship at Jesus College under arrangements described in the Job Description. The combined salary will be on a scale currently from £58,265 p.a. to £77,645 per annum plus additional benefits (see the Job Description for full details). The appointment will be initially for five years at which point, upon completion of a successful review, the post-holder will be eligible for reappointment to the retiring age.

This appointment will strengthen the Department’s research in Control Engineering. The group’s current expertise includes, on the theory end, large-scale, embedded, robust and distributed optimisation, polynomial/sum of squares methods, and optimal, robust and model predictive control, as well as a wide range of applications spanning biology, battery/energy management systems, transportation, aerospace manufacturing systems, and agriculture. Candidates with research interests that align with or fall outside of the above areas are equally welcome.

The successful candidate will conduct original research in Control Engineering and its applications. They will hold a doctorate (or be close to completion) in Control Engineering or a similar field. By “close to completion”, we mean that the thesis will have been submitted for examination at the time the application is made. Applications are sought from across the Control Engineering discipline, either being complementarity to existing activities, or bringing a new research dimension to the Control Group.

Applicants will have a proven research track record, evidenced by peer reviewed publications and collaborations, and relevant teaching experience. They will have the ability to teach effectively, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, and have excellent interpersonal skills for undertaking tutorial teaching.

The successful candidate will be expected to take part in the teaching of undergraduate courses in the Department of Engineering Science, which may include lectures, taught classes, practical laboratories, and the supervision of undergraduate design and project work. They will also be asked to undertake some pastoral duties in Jesus College, whether they will also be asked to serve on college committees, but will not be a Trustee of the college. They will also be expected to contribute to the department’s research portfolio in control engineering, obtaining external funding to enable development of a new and independent research program.

Qualifications and Research

• A doctorate (or close to completion) in Control Engineering or a similar field. By “close to completion” we mean that the thesis will have been submitted for examination at the time the application is made. (essential)
• An internationally recognised academic and research record within the field of Control engineering or its applications, or on a trajectory to achieve this. (essential)
• A publication record that demonstrates impact within the field appropriate to your career stage, and accounting for career breaks or personal circumstances. (essential)
• The ability to develop and lead an independent programme of research, promote ethical and safe research practise, and attract and manage research funding (essential)
• Significant research potential in Control engineering, evidenced by a written coherent research plan of high standard and appropriate to the Department’s research standing. The research should complement or extend current research activities in the department. (essential)
• Excellent track record of obtaining research grants. (desirable)
• Experience of research collaborations at national and international level. (desirable)

Teaching

• Commitment to teaching and ability to educate and inspire high-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate taught students from all backgrounds to help them reach their full potential. (essential)
• Experience of and ability to teach effectively, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, a wide range of topics within the fields of Control engineering, mathematics, and other topics in the context of our general Engineering Science course. (essential)
• The ability to supervise postgraduate research students. (essential)
• A creative approach to teaching. (desirable)
• Evidence of excellence in teaching. (desirable)

Personal effectiveness

• The ability to support and guide a research group of post-doctoral staff and research students and help them to develop into successful independent researchers, and the commitment to provide pastoral and academic support for students and researchers at all stages in their University career. (essential)
• Communication and interpersonal skills enabling the formation of good working relationships with colleagues, students and collaborators with a commitment to demonstrating respect, courtesy and consideration within interactions with members of the University community and to ensuring the Department provides a positive, supportive and inclusive environment for all. (essential)
• Good citizenship and a willingness to undertake administrative duties (within reason) to support the smooth running of the Department and the College. A commitment to advocating for equality, diversity and inclusion in research, teaching and/or the broader community, including the undertaking of appropriate training as and when asked to do. (essential)
• Achievement of impact of research beyond academia and a readiness to communicate to a wider public the central interest and importance of the field. (desirable)
• Experience of or an interest in developing links with industry and/or other non-academic partners. (desirable)
• Awareness of the University’s obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty. (desirable)
• Experience of creating and promoting collaborative and inclusive environments for people from different backgrounds (desirable)