Research Fellow in Space Propulsion

Full Time Fixed Term (31/03/2025)

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral Research Fellow position ending March 2025. The position is within the Astronautics Group, in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The post will work on a collaborative project involving industry and academia, funded substantially by the UK Space Agency. Partners on the project include the University of Michigan (Professor Ben Jorns), Airbus Defence and Space, and UK Start Up Pulsar Fusion and US Start Up Starlight Engines.

The project is focused on the development of Hall thruster space propulsion technology, to improve the UK capability in this key technology. Work will be experimentally focused, designing and testing Hall thrusters of various different powers, in collaboration with partners. The research will be particularly focused on the development of Hall thrusters operating on condensable propellants such as zinc, magnesium and bismuth.

The position is particularly focused on the design, manufacture and testing of a 1-2 kW Hall thruster operating on magnesium propellant. The design has already been completed for the most part, we are now looking to get the thruster manufactured, and tested within our excellent facilities.

Benefits of the position include a lot of opportunity for international travel, including the exciting opportunity to test in University of Michigan facilities. The salary of the Research Fellow can be at the highest salary point (dependent upon experience of the candidates). The position is a very exciting opportunity to be part of a world class consortium working at the forefront of ion thruster technology.

It is desirable that the person has experience in designing and testing ion thruster technology, or a demonstrated aptitude for learning new fields of research. The person should have a PhD in aerospace engineering, experimental beam physics, or other ion beam uses. It is desirable that the person has experience of operating large vacuum chamber facilities, and a strong aptitude towards experimental testing. Additionally, a strong track record of high-quality journal publications is an advantage.

If you have any questions please contact Dr Charlie Ryan, c.n.ryan@soton.ac.uk.

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality. The University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance. Due consideration will also be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. Both the University of Southampton and Chemistry are proud to hold Athena Swan Silver Awards.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

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