Description

The Department of Engineering Science intends to appoint an Associate Professor of Engineering Science (Hypersonics) from 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidate will work at the Department of Engineering Science (Osney Mead, OX2 0ES) and will be offered a Non-Tutorial Fellowship at Kellogg College under arrangements described in the Job Description. The combined University and College salary will be on a scale currently from £58,265 p.a. to £77,645 per annum plus additional benefits (see the Job Description for full details). The appointment will be initially for five years at which point, upon completion of a successful review, the post-holder will be eligible for reappointment to the retiring age.

This appointment will strengthen the Department’s research in high-speed vehicle engineering, specifically in the field of hypersonic aerothermodynamics. The successful candidate will conduct original research related to hypersonic aerothermodynamics and will hold a doctorate in hypersonics or a cognate discipline.  Applications are sought from across the hypersonic discipline (numerical or experimental), providing complementarity to existing activities, within the Oxford hypersonics research group.  The successful candidate will also be a member of the Oxford Thermofluids Institute.

Applicants will have a proven research track record, evidenced by peer reviewed publications and collaborations, and relevant teaching experience. They will have the ability to teach effectively, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, and have excellent interpersonal skills for undertaking tutorial teaching.

The successful candidate will be expected to take part in the teaching of undergraduate courses in the Department of Engineering Science, which may include lectures, taught classes, practical laboratories, and the supervision of undergraduate design and project work.  They will also act as a College Advisor to students in Kellogg College, where they will play a role in the academic and cultural life of the college. They will also be expected to contribute to the department’s research portfolio in hypersonics, obtaining external funding to enable development of a new and independent research program.

Requirements

Qualifications and Research

• A doctorate in the field of hypersonics or in a cognate discipline (essential)
• An internationally recognised academic and research record within the field of hypersonics or its applications, or on a trajectory to achieve this. (essential)
• A publication record that demonstrates impact within the field appropriate to your career stage, and accounting for career breaks or personal circumstances. (essential)
• The ability to develop and lead an independent programme of research, promote ethical and safe research practise, and attract and manage research funding (essential)
• Significant research potential in hypersonics, evidenced by a written coherent research plan of high standard and appropriate to the Department’s research standing. (essential)
• Excellent track record of obtaining research grants. (desirable)
• Experience of research collaborations at national and international level. (desirable)

Teaching

• Commitment to teaching and ability to educate and inspire high-achieving undergraduate students from all backgrounds to help them reach their full potential. (essential)
• Experience of and ability to teach effectively, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, a wide range of topics within the fields of hypersonic vehicle engineering, thermofluids, mathematics, and other topics in the context of our general Engineering Science course.  (essential)
• The ability to supervise postgraduate research students. (essential)
• A creative approach to teaching.  (desirable)
• Evidence of excellence in teaching. (desirable)

Personal effectiveness

• The ability to support and guide a research group of post-doctoral staff and research students and help them to develop into successful independent researchers, and the commitment to provide pastoral and academic support for students and researchers at all stages in their University career. (essential)
• Communication and interpersonal skills enabling the formation of good working relationships with colleagues, students and collaborators with a commitment to demonstrating respect, courtesy and consideration within interactions with members of the University community and to ensuring the Department provides a positive, supportive and inclusive environment for all. (essential)
• Good citizenship and a willingness to undertake administrative duties (within reason) to support the smooth running of the Department and the College. A commitment to advocating for equality, diversity and inclusion in research, teaching and/or the broader community. (essential)
• Commitment to promoting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion amongst students and in the workplace, including the undertaking of appropriate training as and when asked to do. (essential)
• Achievement of impact of research beyond academia and a readiness to communicate to a wider public the central interest and importance of the field. (desirable)
• Experience of supervising research students. (desirable)
• Experience of or an interest in developing links with industry and/or other non-academic partners. (desirable)
• Awareness of the University’s obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.  (desirable)
• Experience of creating and promoting collaborative and inclusive environments for people from different backgrounds (desirable)