Associate Professor in Control of Electrified Systems

Achieving net zero transport and energy systems depends on more than advances in individual technologies. It requires electrified systems to be intelligently controlled, coordinated, and operated under real-world conditions. Across aerospace, marine, automotive, and energy applications, the challenge is increasingly one of system integration — where electrical, thermal, and energy domains must work together reliably and efficiently at scale.

UCL Mechanical Engineering is seeking to appoint a research-focused academic at Lecturer or Associate Professor level in Control Engineering for Electrified Propulsion Systems. The successful candidate will join the Advanced Propulsion Laboratory (APL) at UCL East — a multidisciplinary research environment spanning electrified systems, energy technologies, and sustainable transport.

The APL brings together expertise in electrical machines, power electronics, batteries, fuel cells, thermal engineering, and fluid systems, enabling research that links advances in hardware with system-level intelligence. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of next-generation electrified technologies through research in intelligent control, electric drives, modelling, optimisation, and real-time or data-driven control approaches.

We are seeking candidates with a strong track record in control engineering applied to electrified systems, including electric propulsion, electric drives, or related technologies. You will demonstrate research independence and the ability to develop an internationally recognised research programme addressing challenges associated with performance, efficiency, reliability, and sustainable decarbonisation across transport and energy systems.

We welcome applications from candidates working across interconnected engineering domains, including electrical machines, power electronics, batteries, thermal systems, and integrated energy platforms. Applications are also encouraged from candidates with experience in international research environments or industry-led R&D.

The role includes undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in control and related areas, together with supervision of doctoral and MSc research projects. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, contributing to collaborative research, industrial engagement, and the future direction of electrified propulsion research at UCL.

For Associate Professor appointments, evidence of sustained excellence across research, teaching, leadership, and externally funded research activity will be expected.

What we offer

UCL offers a collaborative research environment, opportunities for industrial engagement, and a comprehensive benefits package. Further information is available on our Rewards and Benefits page.

To apply, please upload:

• CV
• Publication list with your five most significant publications and a short statement outlining their significance
• Summary of teaching experience
• Five-year research strategy
• Supporting statement addressing the selection criteria

This hybrid post is primarily based at UCL East, with collaboration expected at the Bloomsbury campus.

UCL is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and particularly welcomes applications from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

Customer advert reference: B04-07381

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