At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a multidisciplinary team to develop innovative airborne acoustic sensing technologies.
- Company: Collaborative research programme with partners from the UK, Australia, and the USA.
- Benefits: Opportunity to work on pioneering research with real-world impact.
- Other info: Ideal for creative problem-solvers eager to advance scientific understanding.
- Why this job: Contribute to cutting-edge technology for atmospheric mapping and autonomous flight.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers and industrial partners from the UK, Australia, and the USA is undertaking an exciting three-year funded research programme to develop a novel airborne sensing system for high-altitude atmospheric platforms. We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join this collaborative project and contribute to the development of next-generation acoustic sensing technologies for real-time atmospheric mapping.
The project addresses a challenging scientific and engineering problem: how can atmospheric phenomena such as thermals, turbulence, wind shear, and vertical air motion be detected and characterised using airborne acoustic sensing? The research aims to develop a low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) sensing system that combines acoustic excitation, advanced signal processing, atmospheric flow physics, and data-driven modelling to infer atmospheric conditions from weak and often noisy measurements. The resulting technology will provide onboard situational awareness for autonomous and high-altitude aircraft, enabling improved endurance, efficiency, and resilience in complex atmospheric environments.
The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, modelling, testing, and validation of innovative sensing technologies, working closely with academic and industrial partners. The role will involve a combination of laboratory experimentation, acoustic measurements, instrumentation development, signal processing, atmospheric flow characterisation, data analysis, and participation in field and flight-test activities. This position is particularly suited to researchers who enjoy solving complex analytical problems, developing new sensing methodologies, extracting meaningful information from challenging noisy data, and combining theory, modelling, and experimentation to advance scientific understanding.
Essential Criteria- PhD (or equivalent professional experience) in Acoustics, Aeroacoustics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Signal Processing, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills, supported by a solid theoretical foundation.
- Strong background in acoustics engineering, sensing technologies, or related physical systems.
- Experience in designing, conducting, and analysing relevant experimental studies.
- Experience in analysing complex datasets and translating experimental observations into scientific or engineering insights.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaborative working skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary research teams.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Signal processing, statistical inference, or system identification.
- Acoustic sensing, wave propagation, and noise control.
- Fluid dynamics, turbulence, and atmospheric flow phenomena.
- Experimental acoustics, advanced measurement techniques, and instrumentation development.
- Data analysis, modelling, uncertainty quantification, or sensor fusion.
- Acoustic characteristics and noise generation mechanisms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Development of sensing technologies for aerospace, environmental, or atmospheric applications.
We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate creativity in problem-solving, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to develop innovative research ideas. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to pioneering research at the intersection of acoustics, atmospheric science, sensing technologies, electronics, machine learning, and autonomous flight.
The anticipated start date is August 2026, although a later start date may be considered in exceptional circumstances. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Bahareh Zaghari at bahareh.zaghari@soton.ac.uk.
Research Fellow in Airborne Acoustics in Southampton employer: University of Southampton
Join a dynamic and innovative research team dedicated to advancing airborne sensing technologies in a collaborative environment that spans the UK, Australia, and the USA. As a Research Fellow in Airborne Acoustics, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters creativity and intellectual curiosity, alongside opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. This role not only offers the chance to tackle complex scientific challenges but also contributes to pioneering advancements in atmospheric science and autonomous flight, making it an exciting and meaningful career choice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Airborne Acoustics in Southampton
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
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Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Airborne Acoustics in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at University of Southampton, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At University of Southampton, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with University of Southampton.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with University of Southampton. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like University of Southampton love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
