Vice-Chancellor's Fellowship in Satellite Engineering or Satellite Communications

We are seeking exceptional academic colleagues who will drive development of our Research Peaks, to join our Vice-Chancellor's Fellowship Scheme.  

As a Vice Chancellor’s Fellow, you will have a permanent academic role, and for the first three years you will be supported to undertake independent and collaborative research, delivering an agreed research plan to make a significant contribution to the research profile of the University.

Further information about the role is available in the Vice-Chancellor's role outline.  

About space at Nortumbria

Join Northumbria University’s world-class research team in Satellite Engineering and Satellite Communications. Our research spans across engineering disciplines, including electronics, mechanical design, power systems, software, data analytics, and communications. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that supports academic growth through mentorship, funding, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

As part of the new School of Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics, launching in Autumn 2025, you will contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation. In 2026, we will open NESST (North East Space Skills and Technology Centre), a £50 million initiative supported by the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin. NESST will drive advancements in satellite technologies, communications, high-performance electronics, and space-based energy, while also providing essential training for the UK’s space sector workforce.

We are seeking researchers in two areas:

Satellite Engineering with expertise in one or more of:

• Satellite control systems
• Embedded systems
• AI/ML for space applications
• Signal processing
• Materials and thermal control
• Manufacturing (including 3D printing)
• Mechanical devices and structures

Satellite Communication Systems with expertise in one or more of: 

• Radio and microwave communications
• Free-space optical communications
• High-speed data links
• Inter-satellite, satellite-to-ground, and/or satellite-to-UAV communication systems
• Satellite networks and/or constellations
• Antennas and transceivers
• Photonics and sensor development
• High-power laser systems

You will also be involved in developing new Aerospace Engineering education programs, working alongside passionate educators and contributing to an exceptional student experience. 

For an informal discussion prior to application, please contact Professor Robert Wicks (robert.wicks@northumbria.ac.uk), or Professor James McLaughlin (james.a.mclaughlin@northumbria.ac.uk). 

If you require any additional information about the application process or would like an informal discussion about the opportunities, please contact Kathryn Atton, HR Adviser at kathryn.atton@northumbria.ac.uk.  

About you

We are seeking to appoint at the level of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor. All applicants should hold a doctoral qualification and have demonstrable specialist expert knowledge and skills in an area of satellite engineering or satellite communication systems. All applicants are expected to provide a research plan including grant capture activities. For the Assistant Professor role, we expect applicants to have an established and growing publication record with ambitious plans to deliver an innovative research programme, positioning them to be future leaders in their field. For the Associate Professor and Professor roles, we expect applicants to be established academics with publication and research track records that demonstrate existing leadership in their field and include examples of successful innovative research projects, commensurate to the level of the role. For appointments at all levels, you must demonstrate a clear research plan for the period of the Fellowship.   

 You will be encouraged to collaborate across disciplines, helping to bridge research areas in engineering and science to open the opportunity that NESST provides to a broad range of academic and industry-based research projects. You will have the opportunity to shape the direction of NESST research and teaching through participation in NESST management processes.

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