Senior Lecturer in Engineering Design

Location: Aston University Main Campus

We are seeking an inspiring academic to provide leadership in engineering design education and research within the School of Engineering and Innovation. The successful candidate will lead and develop interdisciplinary and sector-aligned design modules, contribute to our mechanical, biomedical and product design programmes, and support the development of a new aerospace engineering programme.

We particularly welcome candidates with expertise in engineering design methods and professional workflows across multiple sectors—such as aerospace, automotive, infrastructure, consumer and manufacturing—and who can foster cross-sectoral understanding of design cultures and practice.

About the Role
The School of Engineering and Innovation is renowned for innovative, experiential learning and engagement with real-world challenges. You will play a key role in expanding project-based and interdisciplinary learning that connects digital simulation with physical prototyping. Working with Design Factory Birmingham and our international CDIO and Design Factory networks, you will bring authentic industrial design problems into the classroom, helping students to develop creativity, professional skills and innovation mindsets.

Alongside teaching excellence, you will develop an independent and collaborative research profile aligned with Aston’s strategic themes in digital engineering, sustainable design, simulation and modelling, or design education innovation. You will publish in leading journals, pursue research funding from UKRI, Innovate UK and industry, and supervise postgraduate research students. Applicants with an established research record in computational design, digital workflows or design optimisation are particularly encouraged to apply.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead and innovate in teaching engineering design, integrating digital tools and simulation.
• Design and deliver interdisciplinary, experiential learning using CDIO and PBL approaches.
• Conduct and publish high-quality research in engineering design or digital engineering.
• Secure external research and knowledge-exchange funding and develop collaborations with industry and academia.
• Supervise undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral design projects.
• Contribute to curriculum enhancement, inclusivity, outreach and professional engagement.

Aston University values innovation, inclusivity and the development of capable, creative and compassionate engineers. We welcome applicants who share this commitment and can contribute to shaping the future of engineering design education and research.

For informal enquiries about this position, you can contact Claire Lucas, Professor and Dean of School of Engineering and Innovation (c.lucas@aston.ac.uk) 

Further details:

Job Details
University Information

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. 

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Tuesday 09 December 2025

Interview Date: Friday 19 December 2025

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