Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Location:  Boldrewood Campus
Salary:   £33,314 to £35,333 Per annum
Full Time Fixed Term until 31st December 2025
Closing Date:  Monday 17 April 2023
Interview Date:   To be confirmed
Reference:  2081522DA-R

You will join the Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics (AFM) Research Group at the University of Southampton. You will be working under the supervision of Dr Andrea Da Ronch on the project “Out of Cycle Next Generation Highly Efficient Air Transport (ONEheart)”. The project is a large, national effort led by Airbus Operations Ltd with several industrial and academic partners. The aim of this postdoctoral research position is to implement and develop aerodynamic and aeroelastic models for the analysis of semi-aeroelastic hinged wingtips. This concept is capable of reacting and flexing to wind gusts and have the potential to alleviate wing loads and avoid tip stall for improved aircraft performance. There will also be opportunities to supervise post-graduate students and to get involved in other projects in the fields of reduced-order modelling, stability and control analysis, and aircraft design development.

The AFM research group is comprised of experts in theoretical, computational and experimental methods and our aim is to provide an environment in which these different approaches can be combined and focused on particular topics of practical importance. You will join a vibrant team of other postdoctoral researchers and graduate students working in different areas of aerospace and aeronautics, covering the entire spectrum of fidelity levels.

You will have or be close to completing a PhD in aerodynamics or aeroelasticity/aeroservoelasticity. Experience with developing loads and aeroelastic models and methods for fixed/rotary wing aircraft is critical. Experience with NASTRAN and SU2, or other aeroelastic analysis tools (medium to high fidelity preferred), being comfortable with analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, and high-performance computing are highly desirable. Strong communication and language skills, as evidenced by publications and presentations, are essential. 

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

There are a great range of benefits that includes a contributory pension scheme; holiday entitlement of 30 days plus 8 bank holidays and 6 additional holidays (closure days); subsidised health and fitness facilities on-site; cycle to work scheme; a range of discounts which include restaurants, retail outlets and entertainment.

The University holds an Athena SWAN silver award in recognition of its’ continued commitment to improving equality for women in science and engineering.  We will give due consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy*, and onsite childcare facilities.  

Please contact Dr Andrea Da Ronch (a.da-ronch@soton.ac.uk) for further details about the position. 

This position is being offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis until 31st December 2025.

Application Procedure:

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Jane Sturgeon (HR Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 4043 or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk  Please quote reference 2081522DA-R on all correspondence.