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- Tasks: Lead exciting research on plant sounds and their responses to stress in a collaborative team.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton, a hub for innovative interdisciplinary research.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, flexible working, and a supportive environment for growth.
- Why this job: Make groundbreaking discoveries in plant acoustics and contribute to vital environmental research.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in Acoustics, Engineering, or related fields with strong experimental skills.
- Other info: Start date in June 2026; inclusive culture promoting diversity and respect.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
You will join an interdisciplinary project delivered through a collaboration between the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, the School of Biological Sciences, and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southampton. Plants emit sound—particularly under stress—and may respond to sound in ways that influence physiology, root function and pollination. This project will combine experiments, analysis and multiphysics modelling to establish credible mechanisms, limits and open datasets for plant acoustic emission and reception. We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate with an acoustics background to lead the acoustic measurement and analysis components, working closely with biology and modelling colleagues in a vibrant interdisciplinary team.
Key accountabilities / duties
- Design, set up and deliver robust measurements of plant-generated acoustic emissions under controlled stress conditions.
- Undertake acoustic and vibroacoustic measurements including airborne acoustics, air-coupled ultrasonics, structural vibration/waves.
- Work in specialist facilities including anechoic chambers and controlled experimental environments, ensuring high-quality, repeatable data.
- Develop and apply signal processing workflows for weak transient signals, long-term monitoring, feature extraction and statistical analysis.
- Support sound playback/stimulation protocols for plant response and pollination experiments.
- Contribute to modelling activities through experimental design input and provision of validation datasets.
- Manage and curate research data, contributing to open and reproducible workflows (code, metadata and documentation) in line with project and UKRI expectations.
- Prepare research outputs including papers, conference presentations and contributions to shared project datasets.
Candidate requirements
- PhD (or near completion) or equivalent qualifications and experience in Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Signal Processing or a closely related discipline.
- Strong practical experience in experimental acoustics/instrumentation (sensor selection, data acquisition, calibration, uncertainty/rigour and noise control).
- Strong signal processing skills (e.g., using Python and/or MATLAB).
- Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team and communicate clearly across disciplines.
- Experience handling large datasets and using reproducible analysis workflows (e.g. Git/Jupyter/HDF5).
- Experience with ultrasonics, vibroacoustics, structural waves, laser Doppler vibrometry, anechoic facilities, soil acoustics, and/or bioacoustics.
This post is aiming to start from June 2026 (by agreement). As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.
Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.
Research Fellow in Plant Acoustics (acoustics-focus) in Southampton employer: University of South Hampton
Contact Detail:
University of South Hampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Plant Acoustics (acoustics-focus) in Southampton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience and technical skills. We want to see you shine, so prepare some examples of your work in experimental acoustics or signal processing that you can share!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every job is unique, so don’t be afraid to tweak your pitch for each opportunity. We recommend focusing on how your background in acoustics aligns with the specific needs of the project. It shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing that dream role. It’s straightforward, and you’ll be able to showcase your passion for plant acoustics right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Plant Acoustics (acoustics-focus) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your acoustics background and relevant experience. We want to see how your skills align with the project, so don’t be shy about showcasing your expertise in experimental acoustics and signal processing!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this interdisciplinary project and how your unique skills can contribute. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the role.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since this role involves working closely with biology and modelling colleagues, make sure to highlight any past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated in an interdisciplinary team. We value clear communication across disciplines!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of South Hampton
✨Know Your Acoustics
Brush up on your knowledge of experimental acoustics and instrumentation. Be ready to discuss your practical experience with sensor selection, data acquisition, and noise control. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Signal Processing Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with signal processing, especially using Python or MATLAB. Bring examples of workflows you've developed for weak transient signals or long-term monitoring. This will demonstrate your technical prowess and how you can contribute to the project.
✨Interdisciplinary Communication
Since this role involves working closely with biology and modelling colleagues, practice explaining complex acoustics concepts in simple terms. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully collaborated across disciplines, as this will be key to thriving in the team.
✨Data Management Matters
Familiarise yourself with managing large datasets and reproducible analysis workflows. Be prepared to discuss your experience with tools like Git, Jupyter, or HDF5. This will show that you understand the importance of open and reproducible research, aligning with the project's goals.