Engineering news
With over 170 years of engineering education, UCL Mechanical Engineering has a long tradition of leadership and innovation. From hosting the UK’s first Professor of the Mechanical Principles of Engineering in 1847 to pioneering organised laboratory practicals in university education, the department has consistently helped shape how mechanical engineering is taught and practised. Today, its community of around 1,200 students from more than 70 countries is supported by academics recognised as world leaders, with 93% of research outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021.
This new appointment will be closely aligned with UCL’s Advanced Propulsion Laboratory (APL), a flagship interdisciplinary initiative based at the UCL East campus in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The APL anchors UCL’s commitment to net-zero transport, bringing together expertise from Mechanical and Chemical Engineering to address propulsion challenges across aerospace, marine and automotive sectors. Its work spans advanced propulsion and combustion, electric machines and power electronics, thermal-fluid sciences, e-fuels and next-generation energy carriers—linking fundamental research with system integration and real-world validation.
The successful candidate will develop and lead a cutting-edge research programme in sustainable aerospace propulsion, with a particular emphasis on hybrid-electric, hydrogen-electric and hydrogen combustion systems, electrical machines, power electronics, and related propulsion technologies. They will be expected to build an internationally recognised research profile, secure competitive funding, and contribute to UCL’s wider REF strategy, while working collaboratively across disciplines and with industry partners.
Teaching and education are central to the role. The appointee will design and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate modules in areas such as advanced aerospace propulsion and electric and hybrid system design, supervise MSc and PhD research, and contribute to curriculum innovation across MEng, BEng and MSc programmes. There will also be opportunities to develop industry-focused CPD courses, ensuring that education remains closely connected to evolving professional practice. Throughout, sustainability and inclusive pedagogy are core principles, reflecting the department’s strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Appointment at Lecturer or Associate Professor level will depend on experience and track record, with the latter requiring sustained excellence across research, teaching and academic leadership. Whichever level, the role offers a rare chance to shape the future of propulsion education and research within a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment.
For informal enquiries, prospective candidates are welcome to contact Taneta Darko, Senior Recruiter at UCL, at t.darko@ucl.ac.uk. The application deadline is Sunday 18 January.
Applications should be submitted via the UCL jobs portal at: Job details: Associate Professor or Lecturer in Advanced Aerospace Propulsion
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.