Reader/Professor of Aerospace Engineering

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 17 May 2026

This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a pivotal time. We are launching a new Aerospace Engineering degree, homed within the School of Engineering. The programme builds on the School’s established strengths in fluid dynamics, materials, intelligent sensing, advanced manufacturing and electrical power systems and will be delivered from the new £110 million Stephenson Building in the heart of Newcastle.  The School has a strong and growing focus on digital engineering, autonomy, and AI-enabled systems across engineering disciplines.

The School hosts experimental facilities supporting aerodynamics and fluid mechanics research, including wind tunnel infrastructure, particle image velocimetry (PIV), and hot-wire anemometry, enabling detailed experimental investigation of boundary layer behaviour, flow control, and surface-flow physics. These capabilities can be complemented by engagement with external experimental facilities and collaborators where appropriate.

We are a world class research-intensive university, delivering teaching and learning of the highest quality and playing a major role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Our research community works across disciplines to tackle global challenges in sustainable energy, transport, and advanced manufacturing.

We are seeking to appoint a Reader or Professor who will shape the research direction and curriculum of the Aerospace Engineering programme at Newcastle University. The appointee will play a key role in strengthening the School’s profile in aerospace, expanding interdisciplinary partnerships, and supporting the recruitment and mentoring of academic staff.

We particularly welcome applicants whose work contributes to the future of sustainable aviation, and who bring expertise in areas such as:

•    Aerodynamics (computational, experimental or hybrid approaches), propulsion and thermofluid systems for aircraft/spacecraft
•    Aircraft systems with an emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and integration
•    Aerospace vehicle dynamics
•    Aerospace design, including digital, model-based and systems-level approaches

We also encourage applications that integrate computational modelling, data-driven methods, or artificial intelligence with aerospace engineering. However, applicants with expertise in all areas relevant to aerospace engineering will be considered. This includes emerging areas such as sustainable aviation, autonomous aerial systems, and digitally enabled aerospace engineering.

You will be expected to identify and address expertise gaps in research and teaching, and to lead the development of a holistic programme that equips students to meet the evolving challenges of the aerospace sector.

For an informal conversation contact head of School Daniel Coca, daniel.coca@newcastle.ac.uk 

Expected interview date: 04 & 05 June 2026

Applications should consist of a cover letter outlining your contribution to the role and evidence of how you meet the essential criteria along with your CV

The role

You will play a key role in advancing the strategic vision and global reputation of the School of Engineering, with a particular focus on aerospace engineering. This role combines leadership in research, teaching excellence, and external engagement to drive innovation, secure funding, and contribute to the School’s academic and industry impact. You will be expected to foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and contribute to the development of future engineering talent.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide academic leadership in aerospace engineering, shaping research direction and contributing to the strategic development of the School.
• Shape and lead a high-quality, externally funded research programme in aerospace engineering
• Lead and contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives across aerospace engineering and related fields, with opportunities to engage in areas such as digital engineering, data-driven methods, and AI-enabled systems
• Build and maintain strategic links with industry, government, and external stakeholders at regional, national, and international levels
• Develop and lead experimental, computational, or hybrid research and teaching activities, making effective use of available facilities and external infrastructure where appropriate
• Lead the design and delivery of research-inspired teaching, including new modules, laboratories, and student projects
• Attract, supervise, and mentor doctoral researchers and postdoctoral associates
• Deliver high-quality teaching and assessment at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and contribute to programme development, accreditation, and academic leadership in education

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

All levels

• An outstanding research profile commensurate with career stage, evidenced by strong publication record and success in securing research funding.  

• Recognition for research excellence and professional standing in an aerospace-related engineering field, with an emerging or established international reputation. 

• Excellent understanding of the academic, industrial and policy landscape relevant to aerospace engineering. 

• Experience of developing and delivering high-quality and innovative teaching across a range of levels.  

• Experience of leadership and management in academic or industrial settings, with the ability to motivate, empower, and support colleagues in a collaborative and consultative environment. 

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across the academic unit, Faculty and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking, with experience of contributing to organisational development and change, ideally within a higher education context.  
• Ability to identify and develop new ideas aligned with strategic objectives, and to contribute to their delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or contribute to multidisciplinary initiatives that extend beyond one’s core discipline.

Professor  

• An internationally recognised research leader with a substantial record of publications in leading journals, significant research funding, and demonstrable impact.
• A proven ability to lead large-scale, collaborative research programmes or institutional initiatives.
• A sustained record of academic leadership, including contributions to School, Faculty, or national-level strategy.

Attributes and Behaviour 

• Demonstrates self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity.
• An independent and adaptable thinker who values and encourages diverse perspectives.
• Demonstrates resilience in the context of change and challenge.
• Performance-oriented, with the ability to set direction, motivate others, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates professional integrity and accountability, taking responsibility and upholding University values.
• Evidence of collaborative and influential leadership, with the ability to build strong relationships and contribute to strategic direction.

Qualifications  

• A PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field  
• A recognised teaching qualification in Higher Education or equivalent experience (Desirable)
• Membership of a relevant professional engineering institution (Desirable)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver  Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 28007