Job Description

Job Details
Section
Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Location:
Boldrewood Campus
Salary
36,636 to 44,746 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 2 years
Closing Date:
Monday 08 December 2025
Interview Date
To be confirmed
Reference
3259525DA

We are seeking a talented and motivated

Research Fellow

to join a multidisciplinary team developing innovative

air sterilisation technologies

for infection control in future hospital environments. The project adapts

space technologies

originally designed for propulsion and in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) to healthcare applications.


You will work under the supervision of

Prof. Minkwan Kim

and

Prof. Bharathram Ganapathisubramani

, collaborating with the

European Space Agency (ESA)

and

NHS Hampshire Hospitals

. More information about the project is available at https://project-pasta.com.

Key responsibilities include:

Optimising the aerodynamic performance of the

PASTA reactor

for airflow efficiency, sterilisation effectiveness, and noise reduction. Developing CFD models and validating results through experiments. Simulating indoor airflow and mapping fan performance to sterilisation coverage.

You should hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Aerodynamics, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering. Experimental experience is essential; CFD or indoor airflow modelling expertise is desirable. Excellent communication and writing skills are required.


This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of aerospace technology and healthcare innovation.


Equality, diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in the School of Engineering. In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science we were awarded an Athena SWAN bronze in 2013 and 2016. We give full 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 facility.


The University of Southampton is in the top 1% 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. 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.

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Min Kwan Kim (m.k.kim@soton.ac.uk).



We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.


Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.