Lecturer in Acoustics

The Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) at the University of Southampton invites applications from exceptional individuals for two permanent Lecturer positions in Acoustics. We welcome applicants with expertise in diverse areas of acoustics, including but not limited to aeroacoustics, underwater acoustics, and medical ultrasonics.

About ISVR

For over 60 years the ISVR has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research and education in sound and vibration, making transformative impacts globally. The Acoustics Group is widely celebrated for its research in many aspects of acoustics. Our staff include Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering and recipients of numerous other prestigious international awards.

We are also proud to host the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Propulsion Systems Noise, where our research activities encompass theoretical, computational and experimental studies of aircraft noise sources.

The ISVR currently comprises 32 full-time academic staff, and more than 60 postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers working in many aspects of acoustics, vibrations, signal processing, audiology and their inter-relationships. At the heart of the ISVR are our undergraduate and postgraduate courses in sound and vibration. We also collaborate closely with the University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service, ISVR Consulting which provides engineering solutions to industry, and numerous spinout companies that seek to commercially exploit our research.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

We have state-of-the-art facilities that underpin groundbreaking research, including high-performance computing, multiple anechoic and reverberation chambers, a dual-stream jet facility, an underwater acoustic test tank, three anechoic wind tunnels, advanced aerodynamic and boundary layer wind tunnels, and specialised aeroacoustics and propeller rigs.

A Supportive and Inclusive Environment

We take pride in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative research culture that promotes professional growth and work-life balance. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Chaitanya Paruchuri, Head of the Acoustics Group, shares:

“Being part of this prestigious group has been an extraordinary journey. Since completing my PhD in 2017, I’ve progressed to earning a Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship and now serve as the Head of the Acoustics Group—all within five years. This achievement was made possible by the group’s unwavering support, inclusive environment, and its strong emphasis on research excellence and work-life balance."

The School of Engineering values diversity and inclusion, and we particularly welcome applications from women, BAME, LGBT, and disabled individuals. We hold an Athena SWAN bronze award and offer flexible work arrangements. The University of Southampton is a top-ranked, sustainable institution committed to minimising its environmental impact.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant branch of acoustics.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to publish high-quality journal papers and secure external funding.
• Have a clear vision for ambitious research programmes and a commitment to building a team.
• Exhibit enthusiasm for innovative teaching practices and have the ability to lead and contribute to both foundational and specialist modules in engineering-related subjects.

We will support you through our Postgraduate Certificate of Academic Practice (PGCAP), accredited by Advance HE and leading to Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.

For informal enquiries, please contact:

Head of Acoustics Group, Dr Chaitanya Paruchuri (c.c.paruchuri@soton.ac.uk); or

Head of Department, Prof Tim Waters (tpw@soton.ac.uk).

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