Research Fellow - Faculty of Engineering and the Environment

Research Fellow Acoustics Group

Location: Highfield Campus

Faculty of Engineering and the Environment

Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Noise

Applications are invited for six Post-Doctoral Research Fellow positions to work towards the goal of reducing the noise of the next generation of airplane engines.

The successful candidates will become members of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Noise (Rolls-Royce Noise UTC) at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) within the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton.

Brief descriptions for each position are given below.  Further details are available on request.

• Low Noise OGV Capability:  How to design low noise outlet guide vanes (OGVs) with realistic constraints on aerodynamic performance.
• Broadband Fan Noise Prediction:  Developing and applying novel numerical and/or experimental methods for fan broadband noise prediction.
• Liner Optimisation and Development:  Improving the accuracy of numerical prediction models for fan noise propagation through engine intakes and bypass ducts, attenuation by acoustic liners and radiation to the farfield.
• Fan System Design Optimisation:  Assessment / improvement of noise prediction methods within a multi-fidelity, multi-disciplinary fan design system.
• Core / Combustion Noise:  Develop improved prediction methods for combustion noise and compressor noise.  This work will include processing and interpretation of engine acoustic data measured with state-of-the-art phased array techniques.
• Jet Noise:  Modelling noise from variable area nozzles and improvement of jet/flap interaction noise models.

All of these positions will contribute to a major research project to be undertaken jointly with Rolls-Royce.

Applications are sought from candidates who hold or will hold a PhD or equivalent in aero-acoustics or related disciplines.  Successful candidates will have a good understanding of acoustics and fluid mechanics.  Experience of aircraft noise research and noise prediction methods is highly desirable.

The ISVR, founded in 1963, is a world-leading research institute in acoustics and vibration.  It has a long history of industrial collaboration in the field of aviation noise.  The Rolls-Royce Noise UTC was founded in 1999 in order to provide a high-level research capability and expertise to the aerospace industry.

The positions will be full time with an initial fixed term of twenty-four months, and are expected to start between October 2016 and January 2017.  The posts are funded as part of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Noise. Owing to the nature of these positions, any offer of appointment with the University will be subject to compliance with the Rolls-Royce UTC non-disclosure agreement and recruitment procedures.

For further information please contact Professor Phillip Joseph (email: pfj@isvr.soton.ac.uk).

About the University

You will join one of the UK’s most dynamic centres for engineering and environmental research and education rated number one for research power in REF2014.  We have an excellent record of collaborative research with industry and academic institutions in the UK and abroad.

The Faculty has nearly 200 academic staff working in a number of research themes (http://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/research/themes.page). We have exceptional research facilities particularly in our state-of-the-art facilities at our new Boldrewood Innovation Campus (fluids and structures/infrastructure) which includes a 138m towing tank.

In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science and engineering we were awarded an Athena SWAN bronze award in September 2013 and intend to submit an application for Silver in Spring 2016.  The Faculty will give due consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy*, onsite childcare facilities and employees are able to participate in the childcare vouchers scheme.

The University of Southampton is the top one per cent of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities

The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.  Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.  This commits all of our staff and students to take responsibility for managing their activities to minimise harm to the environment, whether this through switching off non-essential electrical equipment or using the recycling facilities.

*subject to qualifying criteria

Application procedure:

You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Georgie Warren (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 7749. Please quote reference 774416KR  on all correspondence.