Associate Professor or Lecturer in Advanced Aerospace Propulsion

UCL Eastman Dental Institute; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Greater London is seeking an experienced professional for a Lecturer or Associate Professor role in sustainable aerospace propulsion. The successful candidate will lead research initiatives and teach advanced modules, contributing to the development of future engineers. A PhD and proven research excellence are required, along with the ability to secure funding and engage in collaborative projects. Competitive salary offers with excellent benefits are included.

Benefits

41 Days holiday (27 annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)

Defined benefit pension scheme

On-site gym

Employee assistance programme

Discounted medical insurance

Qualifications

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience designing and delivering engineering modules.
• Ability to secure significant research funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a research portfolio in sustainable aerospace propulsion.
• Design and deliver advanced teaching modules.
• Supervise and mentor students in design and research projects.

Skills

Research excellence

Curriculum innovation

Collaborative teamwork

Leadership in research

Communication skills

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Advanced propulsion systems

Hydrogen-electric systems

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a highly qualified academic professional with expertise in hybrid-electric propulsion, hydrogen-electric and hydrogen combustion systems, electrical machines, and power electronics, advanced electrical and hybrid for aerospace applications. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding in at least one of the following areas thermofluids, turbomachinery interactions, sustainable propulsion design, electric drives, hybrid propulsion and the integration of innovative technologies through laboratory research to simulation system-level application and real-world deployment.

You will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues within the department, across other departments within the Advanced Propulsion Lab (APL), and more broadly across UCL East.

In this role, you will spearhead a cutting-edge research agenda in sustainable aerospace propulsion. This would include a focus on research into hybrid, electric, and e-fuel system solutions. You will build and lead an internationally recognised research portfolio, securing substantial funding from UKRI, ATI, industrial partners, and other funding bodies. Your work will result in high-impact disseminations and contribute significantly to UCL’s REF strategy. You will develop interdisciplinary collaborations across mechanical, electrical, aerospace and associated engineering, and drive strategic partnerships to accelerate the translation of laboratory innovations into scalable, real-world solutions.

You will also be responsible for designing, coordinating, and delivering advanced teaching modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These modules will cover topics such as advanced aerospace propulsion, electric and hybrid propulsion system design, and related fields. You will supervise and mentor students through capstone group design projects and individual research projects, ensuring rigorous technical training within an inclusive learning environment.

Additionally, you will develop new MEng / BEng aerospace modules and industry-focused CPD courses, embedding principles of sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion into the curriculum. Through outreach and engagement activities, you will help inspire a diverse pipeline of future propulsion engineers.

Please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification for more insight into the post's duties and responsibilities.

About you

We would be delighted to receive applications from candidates with expertise in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, who are seeking to join our department at either Lecturer or Associate Professor level. If you are an ambitious academic with a strong commitment to research, education, and real-world impact in sustainable propulsion and related technologies, we encourage you to apply.

You will hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field and demonstrate research excellence in sustainable propulsion, electrical and / or hybrid drive systems, evidenced by a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and demonstrable impact. You will have a proven ability to secure significant research funding from major sources such as UKRI, ATI, EPSRC, Innovate UK, EU, or equivalent international or industry funders.

You will have experience designing and delivering undergraduate and postgraduate engineering modules, with a focus on curriculum innovation, sustainability, and inclusive pedagogy.

A track record of supervising and mentoring students at all levels, including successful doctoral completions and support for early-career researchers, is essential. You will also demonstrate excellent communication skills, a commitment to academic citizenship and collegiality, and alignment with UCL’s Ways of Working. A demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion across your academic activities is expected.

While only the essential criteria are required for Lecturer-level applicants, a demonstrated aptitude in meeting the additional criteria typically expected at Associate Professor level will be viewed favourably and may strengthen your application.

At Associate Professor level, we are also looking for candidates who can demonstrate leadership in interdisciplinary or cross-sector collaborations, such as those spanning mechanical, electrical, aerospace, marine, or energy systems, with experience managing research groups, projects, and grants. Industrial or translational research experience in propulsion or related fields—such as energy systems in transport, alternative fuels, or advanced engine technologies—with a track record of progressing technology readiness levels and delivering real-world solutions is highly desirable.

You should also show evidence of effective engagement with industry, government, or policy stakeholders that contributes to research impact and external recognition. The ability to lead a significant research portfolio and contribute to departmental leadership, governance, and strategic development is important.

We also value external recognition and influence through policy engagement, public or media communication, invited keynotes, awards, or editorial roles. A track record of successful knowledge exchange or enterprise activity, including CPD delivery, consultancy, or impactful collaboration with industry or non-academic partners, will further strengthen your application.

FURTHER APPLICATION GUIDANCE

This hybrid post is primarily based at our UCL East campus, with collaboration expected at our Bloomsbury campus.

The salary for the Lecturer (Grade 8) role is £54, to £62, per annum, including London allowance. For the Associate Professor (Grade 9) role, the salary is £67, to £73, per annum, also including London allowance.

Please clearly indicate whether you are applying for Grade 8 or Grade 9.

To apply, please upload the following :

• CV
• A publication list including your top five publications with a short (maximum words each) explanation of their significance, a summary of your teaching experience to date (maximum 1, words),
• A research strategy for the next five years (maximum 1, words), and
• A summary of how you meet the selection criteria (maximum 1, words).

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below :

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme : Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance