Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer/ Reader in Flight Sciences

WORLD CHANGERS TOGETHER

The James Watt School of Engineering (JWSE) at the University of Glasgow is an energetic and growing international centre of excellence for Engineering research and teaching. The School leads research in Autonomous Systems & Connectivity; Biomedical Engineering; Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering; Infrastructure & Environment; and Systems, Power & Energy. We have 172 academics and 176 post-doctoral researchers supported by 62 technicians and 33 professional services staff. We also have more than 500 research students working towards doctorates.
 
Our School hosts fundamental research that is developed with the ambition to lead to industrial and academic impact. We expect the successful academic to complement and synergise with existing activities and to develop a network of collaborations locally (across the James Watt School of Engineering and the University) as well as to liaise with industry to translate their research to the highest impact.
 
We are now seeking to fill academic positions for priority areas within the Autonomous Systems & Connectivity Division, and specifically within the Flight Sciences Research Group.  Glasgow is a centre of excellence for research in un-conventional flying machines and we have pioneered research in rotorcraft design, CFD, aeroelasticity, acoustics, flight mechanics, flight simulation as well as, wind turbine simulation.
 
At present, there is existing research in areas such as decarbonisation and personalisation of flight with electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL), and the successfully applicant will be expected to bring their distinct research vision to Glasgow and grow a network of strategic collaborations.  Glasgow is at the leading edge of advances in flight sciences, with more than 25 years of experience in vehicle simulation and design, and building on a 75 year old tradition in aerospace teaching and research.
 
The research work at Flight Sciences is sponsored by EPSRC, ATI, DSTL, the US Army, and the EU, DOWTY Propellers, MBDA, Leonardo Helicopters, GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce and Vertical Aerospace. Furthermore, Flight Sciences is a founding member of the UK Vertical Lift Network (UKVLN) and of the Vertical Flight Society of the UK, co-operating with the VFS in the US.
 
As research in Flight Sciences becomes more and more multi-disciplinary, we are seeking to recruit staff to strengthen our current research and to grow new strategic priorities. As future designs of flying vehicles are aiming to cater for point-to-point, personalised, carbon-neutral, and net-zero, transportation under the Advanced and Urban Aerial Mobility initiatives, Flight sciences is looking for candidates with a strong background in simulation of flow, acoustics, aeroelasticity, rotorcraft, flight mechanics and flight simulation. Some examples of our research can be found at www.gla.ac.uk/cfd.
 
The candidate would be expected to contribute to the delivery and development of a range of courses within the degree programmes within the School. These could range from core fundamental courses taught to all/most degree disciplines within the School, to more specialist courses on the Aerospace degree programmes. In particular we have preference for candidates with interests and experience in the teaching of flight mechanics, dynamics and distributed control to support both the Aeronautical Engineering and Aerospace Systems degree programmes. As a research led University, we would expect courses on these topics at senior Honours level to be influenced by recent and current research activities.
 
We particularly welcome applications from women and other under-represented groups in engineering to deliver a balanced workforce.
 
For more information about this position please contact Dr Ian Taylor (Ian.Taylor@glasgow.ac.uk) with respect to teaching responsibilities of this role and Professor George Barakos (George.Barakos@glasgow.ac.uk) regarding research requirements.

Job purpose

To carry out research and scholarship in the area of flight sciences, deliver an excellent student experience through teaching and assessment, contribute to management and administration, demonstrate leadership, and contribute to academic and strategic management.
 
For appointment at Reader you will have an outstanding track record of national and international distinction and leadership in research, including publications, income, and awards, bringing external recognition and distinction to yourself and the University.

Main duties & responsibilities

  • Pursue and deliver independent research proposals and/or collaborative research projects, project managing research activities, supervising and taking responsibility for the research team. Securing external resources to support research individually and/or jointly, as appropriate to the subject area.
  •  
    Develop an expert reputation in the field by effective dissemination and publishing of research findings in leading journals and conferences, and where appropriate undertaking knowledge exchange activities.
  •  
    Make a substantial contribution to developing and enhancing the research profile of the School/College. Establishing and leading research collaborations with appropriate individuals and groups within the University, including multi-disciplinary links, and developing external research collaborations both nationally and internationally, to ensure that research activities are at the forefront of the field.
  •  
    Actively contribute to the effective management and administration of the College/School, assuming responsibility for the management of allocated resources and contributing to the wider organisation of the subject area.
  •  
    Carry out course administration within required timescales ensuring effective communication of information, in particular assessment requirements and criteria and timely and constructive feedback on assessment.
  •  
    Develop effective approaches which enhance intellectual understanding and innovation in the field and support and enhance course delivery, course organisation, feedback and assessment. This may involve blended and/or online provision.
  •  
    Develop effective working relationships with students and early career staff in the subject specialism, providing specialist advice, support and academic leadership. Work in partnership with relevant student services teams, respond appropriately to the diverse range of learning approaches and learner needs.
  •  
    To supervise project work at undergraduate and Masters levels and take forward the supervision and training of postgraduate research students.
  •  
    Take on administrative or management roles within the subject/School as assigned by the Head of School or designated authority.
  •  
    Engage in personal, professional and career development as appropriate.
  •  
    Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School.
  •  
    To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential

  • Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 [PhD] or equivalent in related discipline with a growing reputation for scholarship within the subject area.
  • An extensive and established reputation in research and/or teaching within the subject area to develop new knowledge and understanding within the field.
  • Membership of a relevant professional body or commitment to achieving professional status within two years of appointment.

Skills

Essential

  • Ability, drive and influence to develop and sustain an international research profile.
  • Research creativity and strong cross discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
  • Excellent communication skills, with ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a collegiate approach.
  • Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
  • Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills.
  • Excellent leadership skills, able to develop early career academic colleagues and manage a research team.
  • Exceptional commitment to high quality teaching, enthusing students and proven ability to engage students to inspire learning, and to provide pastoral care to students.
  • Excellent influencing and collaboration skills to facilitate shaping the research agenda of the academic community and funders
     
 
 

Experience

Essential

  • Sufficient depth of relevant research experience including postdoctoral experience, appropriate to an early career academic.
  • Strong track record of undertaking research, publishing in high impact journals at national and international level, and in attracting external research funding.
  • Excellent track record of development and delivery of teaching, tutoring or demonstrating at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
  • Excellent track record of contribution to academic and administration activities in a research led institution.
 
For appointment to higher grades the following criterial should also be met.
 
For appointment at Grade 9:
  • In addition, demonstrate a distinctive contribution to the academic community through a leading role nationally and internationally e.g. shaping research agendas, advising review panels and funders.
  • A track record in successfully funded projects as a principal investigator.
 
For appointment at Grade 9/Reader:
  • Evidence the above criteria to a higher degree, particularly in generation of research, outputs, funding, supervision, and knowledge exchange/impact.
 
For appointment at Reader:
  • Excel significantly in generation of research, outputs, funding, supervision, and knowledge exchange/impact.

Campus development plan

Our Vision 

Over the next 10 years, the major investment will expand our campus footprint by 25%, creating a new urban quarter with the University at the heart of a revitalised west end. This is the largest development since the creation of the original campus in 1870. 

This is a unique opportunity for a University to extend the boundaries of its historic core in a central city location. It will create: 

  • New learning and teaching facilities
  • Refurbishment and repurposing of existing iconic buildings for specialist uses
  • Identification and design of social spaces that support the student and community experience. 

The expansion of our Gilmorehill campus into the 14 acre, former Western Infirmary site will transform the West End of Glasgow. The Masterplan for the site will incorporate: 

  • New learning and teaching facilities supporting our students and making sure they get the best in modern teaching and learning styles and approaches
  • Creation of a Research Hub, housing large-scale multidisciplinary projects and incubator space for spin out collaborations with industry. This will encourage further innovation development
  • New public cycle and pedestrian routes and a new central square which will link Byres Road to the up-and-coming cultural quarter for the West End, with new links to Kelvingrove and the newly-refurbished Kelvin Hall
  • Refurbishment of five listed buildings: The Chapel, the Outpatients building, the Macgregor building, the Tennent Institute and Anderson College
  • Commercial opportunities, including a hotel, restaurant, bars and cafes
  • The state of the art Learning and Teaching Hub adjacent to the Boyd Orr building on University Avenue will be completed next year. 

Find out more

Living in Glasgow 

A UNESCO City of Music, a vibrant arts and culture scene, a food-lover’s delight, and a shopper’s paradise. Just some of the highlights of the ‘friendliest city in the world’. As well as that accolade by the Rough Guides poll, Glasgow has also been named a must visit destination by publications including the New York Times, The Guardian, and Wanderlust.

Music 

The city hosts an average of 130 music events a week catering for every taste; from rock to rap, and classical to country. Glasgow also has a world class club scene playing host to some of the world’s top DJs.

Shopping 

Outside of London’s West End, Glasgow is frequently voted the best place for shopping in the UK. A must-visit destination for any shop-a-holic, it houses high street chains, international designers, and independent retailers. The West End, home to the University of Glasgow, is bustling with vintage fashion, vinyl stores, and second-hand bookshops.

Arts and Culture 

Glasgow’s arts scene has gone from strength to strength, and is the base for five internationally renowned performing arts companies including the National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Ballet. The city has several world-class museums, which are free to the public, and the city’s architecture is a work of art in itself. 

Food and drink 

You can be in Glasgow and taste the world with its many diverse restaurants, cafes, and bars. And if you’ve yet to sample the delights of haggis and whisky, Glasgow is the place to be.

The City and Beyond 

Glasgow has all the opportunities and excitement of a big city but its compact size means you can quickly travel from one vibrant district to the next. You could be relaxing in one of its many parks, before shopping in the quirky West End, and then dancing until the wee small hours in the Merchant City. 

And when you fancy getting out of the city you can reach the stunning Loch Lomond in just 30 minutes, climb one of our many breath-taking Munros, play golf at one of Scotland’s many world-class courses, visit one of our ancient castles, or go further North and search for Nessie! Scotland has also just been named the world’s most beautiful country by Rough Guides.

Relocating to Glasgow

Choosing to relocate to Glasgow is a big decision. There are numerous things to be considered, such as the costs of moving, the cost of living, and where exactly to relocate to. We have created two guides to aide you in the decision making process. 

Find out more on relocating to Glasgow at the below link:

WORLD CHANGERS TOGETHER

WORLD CHANGING GLASGOW 2025

Our outstanding disciplinary breadth and expertise has enabled us to make world-changing advances in fields as diverse as medicine, physics, linguistics, public policy and global development.

The key to our success is our talented staff and students pushing back at the boundaries of knowledge and understanding together.

Our World Changers Together strategy recognises the fundamental importance of a culture of open cooperation: not just as colleagues and mentors or students and teachers, but as a community of discovery that reaches beyond its walls and draws inspiration and strength from its connections and partnerships worldwide: excellence that's part of something bigger. The strategy is articulated across three themes:

COMMUNITY

  • People centred, globally engaged

CONNECTIVITY

  • Collaboratively minded, digitally enhanced

CHALLENGES

  • Solution focused, impact oriented
Find out more

How to apply

Full details of the role and how to apply can be found by visiting our website:

The closing date for applications is 23rd June 2024.

Terms & Conditions 

Salary will be Grade 8/9, £48,350 - £56,021 / £57,969 - £64,941 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/

benefits and discount packages.

A flexible approach to working.

A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University .https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/ .

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit:https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa .

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment. We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity.

Our values

decorative icon representing valuesThe future holds innumerable challenges for our sector, our society, and our world. We will have to adapt and change what we do and what we offer if we are to navigate these successfully. Our strategy and approach may evolve as the landscape changes, but our values will remain constant: a fixed point of certainty in uncertain times.

We have identified our values in consultation and partnership with our staff and student community. Living and upholding these values will ensure that we remain true to the spirit of our community and ourselves:

Ambition and excellence icon

Ambition and Excellence

  • We strive for excellence through our work
  • We defend academic freedom globally
  • We recognise and celebrate shared success
  • We have an unrelenting focus on development
Curiosity and discovery icon

Curiosity and Discovery

  • We innovate and solve problems together
  • We lead by influence and example
  • We engage with lifelong learning and personal development
  • We learn from our mistakes
Integrity and truth

Integrity and Truth

  • We uphold honesty, integrity and fairness
  • We share our work widely and generously
  • We do the right thing, not the easy thing - or we don’t do it
  • We take responsibility
All inclusive community icon

An Inclusive Community

  • We are one Glasgow team, and we care for and respect one another
  • We advocate for diversity and believe in variety as a vital part of a healthy university
  • We champion education as an engine for social progress
  • We practise and advance sustainability