Aston University is seeking to appoint an internationally recognised academic to the position of Reader in Future Flight within the Department of Mechatronics, Biomedical and Design Engineering (MBDE), which forms part of the School of Engineering Innovation.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and collaborative engineering community and to help shape Aston University's emerging research and education agenda in aerospace. The successful candidate will provide academic leadership in an area aligned with the future of air and space systems, working across disciplinary boundaries and building strong partnerships with industry, government and other academic institutions.
We are particularly interested in candidates whose expertise aligns with one or more of three complementary avenues of Future of Flight:
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Integrated Systems including model-based systems engineering (MBSE), model-based and test-informed development, digital engineering, systems integration, verification and certification, and the design of complex aerospace missions across air and space, including satellites and space exploration systems.
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Sustainable Systems including net-zero propulsion technologies, particularly hydrogen and battery-electric systems, energy systems, and sustainable approaches to aerospace manufacturing.
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Frontier Systems including intelligent and autonomous flight systems and decision-making, alongside advanced flight regimes such as hypersonic flight.
About the Role
As a senior academic leader, you will develop and lead an internationally recognised programme of research in the Future of Flight, connecting engineering fundamentals with the design, manufacture and operation of aerospace systems. You will deliver high-quality research outputs with academic, industrial and societal impact, and play a key role in shaping Aston's research profile in aerospace through strategic leadership, collaboration and innovation.
You will build strategic collaborations across Aston University and with external partners, including aerospace and advanced engineering companies, technology organisations, government and international research institutions. Through these partnerships, you will develop a diverse and impactful collaborative research programme and secure competitive external funding, creating new opportunities for research, innovation and impact.
You will also contribute to the design, delivery and continuous enhancement of undergraduate and postgraduate education, including the recently launched BEng Aerospace Engineering and the development of a future MEng programme. Curriculum development will reflect the Department's research vision across one of the three themes: Integrated, Sustainable and Frontier Systems. This will ensure students benefit from a research-informed, industry-relevant education that is closely connected to Aston's aerospace research agenda.
You will also help foster a strong, inclusive and collaborative academic community, mentoring and developing early-career researchers and doctoral students, supporting colleagues, and contributing to the strategic development of research and education across the Department, School and wider University.
If you would like an informal discussion regarding this position, please contact Prof. Damien Foster, [email protected]
What we offer:
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Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
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Excellent training and development opportunities.
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A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
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Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
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Great family friendly policies.
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On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
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Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.
This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities.
See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent
The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.
Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston
Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.
We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.
If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at [email protected]
