Associate Professor or Lecturer in Advanced Aerospace Propulsion

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking to fill a research‑focused position in advanced aerospace propulsion at the Lecturer or Associate Professor level. The successful candidate will be expected to drive UCL's ambitions to lead national decarbonisation and sustainability efforts, strengthen industry partnerships, and expand postgraduate and undergraduate offerings in sustainable propulsion.

UCL Mechanical Engineering is a global leader in interdisciplinary research and education, driving innovation across energy systems, transport, and advanced manufacturing. The department's flagship Advanced Propulsion Laboratory (APL) at UCL East anchors UCL's commitment to net‑zero transport and sustainable propulsion technologies across aerospace, marine, and automotive sectors.

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.

In this role, you will spearhead a cutting‑edge research agenda in sustainable aerospace propulsion. This will include a focus on research into hybrid, electric, and e‑fuel system solutions; build and lead an internationally recognised research portfolio; secure substantial funding from UKRI, ATI, industrial partners, and other funding bodies; produce high‑impact disseminations and contribute significantly to UCL's REF strategy; and develop interdisciplinary collaborations across mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and associated engineering. You will 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.

We welcome 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.

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.

Applicants for the Associate Professor level should also demonstrate leadership in interdisciplinary or cross‑sector collaborations, experience managing research groups, projects, and grants, and a record of progressing technology readiness levels and delivering real‑world solutions. Evidence of effective engagement with industry, government, or policy stakeholders that contributes to research impact and external recognition will strengthen your application. A track record of successful knowledge exchange or enterprise activity, including CPD delivery, consultancy, or impactful collaboration with industry or non‑academic partners, is highly desirable.

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 £54,172 to £62,035 per annum, including London allowance. For the Associate Professor (Grade 9) role, the salary is £67,341 to £73,142 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 100 words each) explanation of their significance, a summary of your teaching experience to date (maximum 1,000 words)
  
• A research strategy for the next five years (maximum 1,000 words)
  
• A summary of how you meet the selection criteria (maximum 1,000 words)
  

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits. Please visit our Rewards and Benefits page to find out more.

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion on our web page.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Research, Science, and Education

Industries: Higher Education, Energy Technology, and Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing