Research Fellow (1129319DA)

Acoustics Group

Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Noise

Applications are invited for up to four Post-Doctoral Research Fellow positions, working toward the goal of reducing the noise of the next generation of aeroplanes.

The world of aerospace is changing.  Environmental goals are becoming more stringent at the same time as air traffic is expanding. In the short term this calls for new airplane and aeroengine designs with significantly lower carbon emission and lower noise-per-operation.  In the longer term future goals for carbon emission and noise pollution will not be achieved with a conventional tube-and-engine aircraft design. In addition, at small scale, hybrid and electrically driven aircraft are being developed which pose new challenges in terms of acoustic design and optimisation.

Key to success is the ability to understand and model the noise generation process.  The positions offered relate to different levels of modelling, including LES (Large Eddy Simulation: high fidelity but expensive), RANS CFD (cheaper and effective for tone noise sources), noise-specific numerical tools (CAA) and analytic models (fast enough for look-see analysis and design optimisation).

The focus of these roles is to develop and apply these tools to new aeroengine component and system designs, both for assessment (how much noise will this design generate?) and optimisation (how can I make it better?).

New component and system designs will generate new noise sources and change the behaviour of existing noise sources, and a strong understanding of the underlying physical principles will be essential.

The successful candidates will become members of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Noise (Rolls-Royce Noise UTC) at the University of Southampton. Our close collaboration with industry gives us an immediate route to real-world application for successful research.  It also brings the opportunity and the requirement to apply real-world design constraints and compromises; these roles also require a good understanding of wider engineering principles and the ability to work within a multi-organisation and multidisciplinary project.

Experience required and Further Information:

Applications are sought from candidates who hold or will hold a PhD or equivalent in aerodynamics or aero-acoustics or related disciplines.

We recognise that few candidates will be able to offer from the start world-class expertise in numerical methods, physics of acoustics, aeroengines and multidisciplinary design, rather we are looking for people with the ability and a keen desire to develop in these areas.

Previous experience in numerical methods is essential (for example CFD for aerodynamics or CAA for acoustics, or analytic engineering models for acoustics).

Experience in acoustics would be helpful but is not essential.

Experience in aeroengine design is helpful but not essential.

Specific experience with the Rolls-Royce HYDRA CFD suite is helpful for some of the roles but not essential.

The positions will be full time with an initial fixed term of twenty-four months. The posts are funded as part of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Noise. Owing to the nature of these positions, any offer of appointment with the University will be subject to compliance with the Rolls-Royce UTC non-disclosure agreement and recruitment procedures, which may involve an external agency.

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.

For further information please contact Professor Alexander Wilson (email: a.g.wilson@isvr.soton.ac.uk).

About the Group

The Rolls-Royce Noise UTC was founded in 1999 in order to provide world-class research and expertise to the aerospace industry.  It is part of the world-leading Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR), founded in 1963, and the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS).  

Application procedure:

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Geraldine Lewis (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 23462.  Please quote reference 1129319DA on all correspondence.

Closing Date: 02 May 2019
Post Type: Education, Research & Enterprise