The University of Sheffield
Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering – School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including:
- A highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more)
- A generous pensions scheme
- Flexible working opportunities
- A commitment to your development and wellbeing
- A wide range of retail discounts
- Much more
Find out more about our benefits and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
The School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering seeks to appoint a Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering to support teaching on the programme and advance the School’s Aerospace research.
The School’s Aerospace Programme is recognised as one of the top programmes in the UK. As a Lecturer, you will strengthen our capability in this domain through world-leading teaching and research, supporting both academic excellence and industry collaboration. We are particularly interested to hear from potential candidates with expertise in the following areas:
- Propulsion and launch systems, with a particular interest in rocketry / in-space propulsion
- Space systems engineering, resilient technologies, and in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM)
We also welcome applications from strong candidates working in complementary and closely related areas of Aerospace Engineering, where there is a clear fit with the School’s existing strengths and strategic priorities.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Contribute fully as a teacher, researcher, and leader, fulfilling the appropriate requirements of the University’s Academic Career Pathway Framework (ACP).
High Quality Outputs (Core)
- Disseminate research findings through high-quality publications and conference presentations.
- Ensure that at least one item in a rolling three-year period is judged through peer review as being internationally excellent or better in terms of originality, significance, and rigour.
Research Income and Supervision (Additional)
- Conduct a programme of high-quality personal research by identifying and securing varied sources of funding.
- Manage or co-manage external research funding over a period of grants.
- Attract high-quality research staff and provide effective line management, including training and development.
- Attract high-quality research students and provide supervision, aiming to complete one internal and one external PhD student every three years.
Research Impact (Additional)
- Ensure research impact through activities that demonstrate an effect on the economy, society, culture, public policy, or quality of life beyond academia.
- Contribute to and build cross-research group activity, including public engagement, patent applications, consultancy contracts, and engagement with policymakers.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
High Quality Teaching Practice (Core)
- Demonstrate effective research-led teaching, including:
- Designing and delivering lectures and assessments.
- Setting learning objectives, selecting appropriate curricula, teaching methods, and resources.
- Moderating assessments and providing timely feedback.
- Undertake personal tutor/pastoral responsibilities for undergraduate and postgraduate students, directing them to university support services as needed.
Curriculum Enhancement (Additional)
- Contribute to the design and development of accessible, inclusive programs aligned with the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy.
- Ensure teaching plans are compliant with quality standards, regulations, and accreditation requirements.
Improving Teaching Practice (Additional)
- Engage in continuous professional development by improving own teaching design, delivery, and assessment.
Academic Citizenship (Core)
- Actively contribute to the collective vision, mission, and values of the University.
- Participate in school and faculty administration, committee membership, and University community engagement.
Change and Innovation (Additional)
- Demonstrate leadership by constructively challenging established practices and fostering positive change.
Accountable Decision Making (Additional)
- Make accountable, creative, and considered decisions in response to emerging issues and opportunities.
Professional Standing and Wider Engagement (Core)
- Develop external links with industry, academic peers, and professional bodies.
- Actively engage in professional activities, such as refereeing papers, conference organisation, and committee membership.
Additional Duties
- Plan and prioritize own work, including planning tasks up to five years ahead.
- Contribute to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’, including excellence in research and applied teaching.
- Make ethical decisions and embed the University’s sustainability strategy into all working activities.
- Any other responsibilities commensurate with the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community values unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs. We encourage applications from candidates whose experience may not fully match the criteria below, asking that you reference the relevant application points in your statement.
Criteria
Essential / Desirable
| Applicants and interview | |
|---|---|
| Essential | Have completed or be near to completion of a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant research area related to Aerospace Engineering. |
| Essential | Research experience and publication record demonstrating potential to publish high-quality, peer-reviewed research. |
| Desirable | Experience in preparing grant applications, with clear plans to secure funding. |
| Essential | Ability to establish an independent and collaborative research program while supporting school/institute initiatives. |
| Essential | Experience of training undergraduate and postgraduate students. |
| Desirable | Relevant teaching qualification for higher education. |
| Desirable | Experience in practical and project-based teaching. |
| Desirable | Industry experience, ideally in Aerospace. |
| Essential | Ability to develop, deliver, and assess high-quality teaching across multiple levels. |
| Essential | Exceptional written and verbal communication; strong analytical skills and interdisciplinary capability. |
| Essential | Proven leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively. |
| Essential | Empathy, inclusivity, and supportive communication with colleagues, students, stakeholders. |


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Further Information
- Grade: 8.2
- Salary: £48,822
- Work arrangement: Full-time
- Duration: Open-ended
- Line manager: TBA
- Direct reports: TBA
- See our website for more information.
Inquiries: For informal discussions, contact Alistair John, Programme Director (Aerospace): a.john@sheffield.ac.uk
Recruitment Process:
- Interviews anticipated, with selection updates from 10 August 2024.
- Reasonable adjustments available—contact Katie Bell for support.
Closing Date: 23 July 2026
Disability Confident Employer: If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you will be invited to interview.
University Benefits
A fascinating place to work with support for your needs:
- 41 days (pro-rata) annual leave + paid holiday purchases.
- Flexible working, including hybrid and remote options.
- Generous pension.
- Discounts and rewards on shopping, dining, and travel.
- Staff networks (Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s, Childcare, Menopause, Caring, and Parenting).
- Recognition Awards for exceptional performance.
- Access to Departmental progression schemes & mentoring.
- Family-friendly perks, including parenting leave, fertility support, and bereavement cover.
- Comprehensive details available: University Benefits
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills