Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering

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

Job summary

A leading UK university in Southampton is seeking a Lecturer or Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering. The successful candidate will contribute to the National Centre for Advanced Tribology, focusing on future mobility, tribology, and advanced manufacturing. Applicants should have a strong research background, ability to raise funding, and commitment to inclusivity. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and a supportive academic environment.

Benefits

Generous relocation package

Competitive holiday allowance

Subsidized health and fitness facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge in tribology and surface engineering.
• Experience with experimental methods and modelling.
• Potential for securing research funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop an independent research programme.
• Support students and colleagues.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Skills

Tribology

Surface engineering

Contact mechanics

Materials degradation

Experimental methods

Computational modelling

Education

PhD in relevant 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 within 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, opening up opportunities for the most inquisitive minds.

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 உறூ Southampton (nCATS) research group and may also contribute golfing? align research areas. Your expertise will support strategic growth in areas such as digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries, defence, and life sciences.

We particularly interested in candidates whose work aligns with:

• 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 arguments in clean energy systems and advanced manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental methods, computational modelling, or industrial collaboration, which will be highly valued.

The 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.
• 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, this is a place where you are sure to excel.

The University values diversity and equality, and actively encourages applications from under‑represented groups. We are holders of the Race Equality Charter Bronze Award 2022 and institutional and departmental Athena SWAN awards. We recognise that employees may need working patterns that fit with caring responsibilities including onsite 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. Find out more about the University and city here.

If you need advice about your suitability to the posts or the research areas being sought, you are encouraged to contact the Head of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Richard Wills (HoD‑[e-mail]), for further details.

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 you and 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)

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

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

Job Details

Section: Mechanical Engineering

LocationROID: Highfield Campus

Salary: £46,049 to £74,851 per annum

Employment: Full Time Permanent

Closing Date: Monday 16 February 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: 313162 ▲džx5DA-R