Lecturer or Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering

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

Job summary

A renowned university in the UK is seeking a lecturer or associate professor in Mechanical Engineering. The successful candidate will develop an independent research programme, contribute to digital technologies, and support student learning. With competitive salaries ranging from £46,049 to £74,851, this full-time role offers a collaborative community, generous benefits, and the chance to inspire future generations. Applications close on 16 February 2026. Great location near central London.

Benefits

Generous relocation package

Contributory pension scheme

Subsidised health and fitness facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Discounts at various services

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental methods or computational modelling.
• Ability to inspire and support students in teaching and research.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent research programme.
• Collaborate with students and faculty on research activities.
• Raise external funding from various agencies and partners.

Skills

Research funding potential

Expertise in tribology

Experience in digital technologies

Clear research program plans

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Look to the future with a world-renowned University that will champion your most ambitious interests. 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 expectations.

The University of Southampton welcomes applications for lecturer or associate professor positions in the Mechanical Engineering Department in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Successful candidates will strengthen our thriving culture within the University's triple helix strategy, which emphasises cross‑fertilisation between research, education and enterprise. We inspire thousands of students every year to explore their strengths and forge life‑changing discoveries, we open up opportunities for the most inquisitive minds. Join us, and you'll have the scope to create your own opportunities.

About the role

We seek enthusiastic individuals to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering. You will be embedded within the National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS) research group and may also contribute to other aligned research areas. Your expertise will support strategic growth in areas such as digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries, defence and life sciences. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work aligns with the following:

• Future mobility, including automotive wear, dynamics and propulsion, and the application and storage of future fuels.
• A strong foundation in tribology, surface engineering, contact mechanics, materials degradation or lubrication science.
• Research that intersects with emerging fields such as digital tribology, machine learning for predictive wear modelling, sustainable materials or tribological challenges in clean energy systems and advanced manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental methods, computational modelling or industrial collaboration, which will be highly valued.

Successful applicant will demonstrate

• Clear plans to build an ambitious independent research programme.
• Potential to raise external research funding from UK research councils, the EU, charities and industry partners.An ability to inspire and support students and colleagues across teaching and research activities.
• Commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion within the academic community.

What we can offer you

• A collegiate research‑led community with collaborative and enterprising culture across the Faculties and University.
• Access to sector‑leading high‑performance facilities and a University commitment to maintain that sector‑leading position.
• A generous relocation and benefits package that includes a contributory pension scheme, competitive holiday allowance, subsidised health and fitness facilities, cycle‑to‑work scheme and a range of discounts – a place where you are sure to excel.

The University values diversity and equality. We actively encourage applications from under‑represented groups and are holders of the Race Equality Charter Bronze Award 2022 and institutional and departmental Athena SWAN awards. Employees may need working patterns that fit with caring responsibilities including on‑site childcare facilities. Due consideration will be given to applicants who have had career breaks for maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness.

Southampton is an hour from central London by train and has an international airport alongside beautiful surroundings on the south coast in the New Forest.

Application procedure

To apply, please select the "Apply Online" link below and submit your academic CV with a covering letter that provides details of your current and future research plans and what you feel your research vision will bring to the University.

If a sufficient number of applications are received, this vacancy may close earlier than the date specified at the top of this advert. Therefore, if you are interested in applying, we recommend submitting your completed application form as soon as possible.

Further details

• Job Description and Person Specification (Level 5)
• Job Description and Person Specification (Level 6)

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on [phone] or [e-mail] quoting the job number.

Section Mechanical Engineering — Location: Highfield Campus — Salary £46,049 to £74,851 per annum — Full Time, Permanent — Closing Date: Monday 16 February 2026 — Interview Date: To be confirmed — Reference: 3131625DA‑R

Apply Online