At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver engaging lectures, supervise students, and conduct innovative research in mechanical engineering.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham's dynamic School of Mechanical Engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive academic development programme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with strong industry partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transport and contribute to cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field and post-doctoral experience required.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 € per year.
School of Mechanical Engineering
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Grade 8 Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606.
Grade 9 Full time starting salary is normally in the range £58,225 to £67,468 with potential progression once in post to £87,974.
Full Time, Permanent.
Closing date: 16th June 2026.
Academic Development Programme
New Assistant Professors will undertake a 5-year development programme, at the end of which they are expected to be promoted to Associate Professor. The programme consists of a variety of development opportunities and the time to reflect and develop.
Background
This is an exciting time to be an academic in engineering at the University of Birmingham. Following the creation of the School of Engineering in 2016, which brought together the disciplines of Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, we are now entering the next phase of our development. We are investing significantly in both people and infrastructure: our new £65m landmark building and our £28m UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) Centre of Excellence for Digital Systems have recently opened, while our world‑leading £26m National Buried Infrastructure Facility opened in 2020. The School of Engineering has a long-standing tradition of world‑class research and strong industrial partnerships, ensuring that our innovations deliver rapid real‑world impact. We are now seeking a highly motivated, research‑active academic to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Expertise in Advanced Propulsion and Vehicle Systems
This post is open to candidates with expertise in advanced propulsion and vehicle systems, particularly in areas with strong potential for research funding:
- Sustainable and low‑carbon fuels, such as hydrogen carrier fuels (hydrogen, ammonia and etc), and fuel‑flexible systems (spray, combustion, emissions, and efficiency)
- Integrated electrified and hybrid powertrains, including system design, intelligent control, energy management, and thermal (HVAC) systems, with consideration of efficiency, degradation, and lifecycle performance
- Powertrain decarbonisation strategies, involving electrification, hydrogen integration, net‑zero vehicle systems, and intelligent, connected and automated vehicle systems empowered by AI technologies
- Integrated mobility systems, including smart fleet management, vehicle‑infrastructure interaction, and whole‑system efficiency optimisation
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the UK’s net‑zero transport ambitions, supported by leading industry collaborations and strong funding opportunities.
Role Summary
The role holder will be based in Edgbaston. Key duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to) delivering lectures and seminars and supervising undergraduate/post‑graduate students, course development and innovation, taking an active part in examinations, carrying out innovative research and writing papers on topics relevant to the specialist subject area (including journals, books and other material), and obtaining research grant funding.
Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant specialist subject area, and have post‑doctoral experience and a track record in teaching at a higher education institution. Appointments will be made at either an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level. Please specify which role you are applying for in the application.
Contact & Application
Informal enquiries to Dr Carl Anthony, email: c.j.anthony@bham.ac.uk.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We believe there is no such thing as a “typical” member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
Assistant or Associate Professor (Research and Education) in Mechanical Engineering - School of[...] in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment in the heart of Edgbaston, where innovation and research thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development through a comprehensive Academic Development Programme, staff can expect significant growth opportunities, competitive salaries, and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. The university's investment in state-of-the-art facilities and its focus on sustainability further enhance its appeal as a leading institution for aspiring academics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant or Associate Professor (Research and Education) in Mechanical Engineering - School of[...] in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend academic conferences, workshops, and seminars related to mechanical engineering. It's a great way to meet potential colleagues and collaborators, and who knows, you might even bump into someone from the University of Birmingham!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research! Prepare a solid presentation or portfolio that highlights your past work and future research ideas. This will not only impress interviewers but also demonstrate your passion for advancing the field of mechanical engineering.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors in academia. Get comfortable discussing your teaching philosophy and research interests, especially in areas like sustainable fuels and integrated mobility systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to connect with you right from the start. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant or Associate Professor (Research and Education) in Mechanical Engineering - School of[...] in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your expertise in advanced propulsion and vehicle systems. We want to see how your background aligns with our goals at the School of Mechanical Engineering.
Showcase Your Research Impact:When writing about your research, focus on its real-world applications and potential for funding. We’re keen on candidates who can contribute to the UK’s net-zero transport ambitions, so let that shine through!
Be Clear About Your Role Preference:Don’t forget to specify whether you’re applying for the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor position. This helps us understand where you see yourself fitting into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your research in detail, especially how it relates to advanced propulsion and vehicle systems. Be prepared to explain your methodologies, findings, and how they contribute to the field, particularly in sustainable and low-carbon fuels.
✨Engage with Teaching Philosophy
Since the role involves delivering lectures and supervising students, think about your teaching philosophy. Be ready to share examples of innovative teaching methods you've used and how you plan to engage students in mechanical engineering topics.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Highlight any previous collaborations with industry or other academic institutions. Discuss how these partnerships have enhanced your research and how you envision working with the School of Engineering's existing industrial partnerships.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the department's future, the development programme, and how they support research funding. This shows your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
