Job Description

Job Details
Section
Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Location:
Boldrewood Campus
Salary
36,636 to 42,254 Per Annum
Full Time Fixed Term until 31/07/2027
Closing Date:
Monday 13 October 2025
Interview Date
To be confirmed
Reference
3206425DA

The Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Southampton is welcoming applications for a postdoctoral position in the field of active thermography for the evaluation of composite materials and structures. The research will be conducted within the Computational Engineering & Design Group of the Department, on a fixed term - full time contract for a duration of 20 months.

The role

The role is within an industrial funded research project that deals with non-destructive assessment of composites, where you will need to evaluate all active thermography approaches for composites inspection, develop a database of raw and processed thermographic images of different defects - geometries on composites, test of thermographic image processing tools and techniques (all applicable to composites) to improve defect detection, support the automation of the active thermography inspection (integration of robotic arm with active thermography approach selected), and support demonstrations - trials within the industrial environments selected within the project.

About you

You will hold a PhD or equivalent and will already be demonstrating potential for research excellence in your postdoctoral activity. You will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative and stimulating environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, and necessary resources to conduct high-quality research.

What we can offer you

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work.


With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach. All our benefits can be viewed on the Benefits Explained website.


If you wish to discuss the role in more detail, please email Professor Nico Avdelidis: n.p.avdelidis@soton.ac.uk


To apply for this vacancy, please upload a CV and cover letter demonstrating how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role.


Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.



As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.


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.