Research Fellow in Space Propulsion DA)

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral Research Fellow position within the Astronautics Group, in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The post will work on a collaborative project involving industry and academia, funded substantially by the UK Space Agency. This is part of the UK Space Agency National Space Innovation Programme just announced by UKSA.

The overall project is to develop a dual mode chemical-electric space propulsion system, using water as the propellant. Through electrolysis of water oxygen and hydrogen are produced, which can both be burnt in a chemical thruster, but also used as a propellant within a Hall Effect ion thruster. The project involves companies Protolaunch (chemical thruster) and Naicker Scientific (electrolyser), with University of Southampton working on the development of a Hall thruster operating on oxygen.

Specifically the Research Fellow position will involve the design, manufacture and testing of a Hall ion thruster operating on oxygen. This will be based upon our World leading expertise in the development of Hall thruster technology specifically operating on alternative propellants, as described in other publications (doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2023.07.047, and 10.1016/j.actaastro.2023.01.033). The research will make use of our identified methods to adjust Hall thruster designs for operation with alternative propellants, that we have applied to Hall thrusters operating on magnesium to nitrogen. 

You will join a team of eight researchers working on different aspects of space propulsion, as part of our team working in the David Fearn Electric Propulsion Lab at the University of Southampton. It will be expected that the researcher actively engages with industry involved, and with the research team, with opportunities to travel to conferences during the project duration.

It is desirable that the person has experience in designing and testing ion thruster technology, or a demonstrated aptitude for learning new fields of research. The person should have a PhD, or equivalent qualifications and experience, in aerospace engineering, experimental beam physics, or other ion beam uses. It is desirable that the person has experience of operating large vacuum chamber facilities, and a strong aptitude towards experimental testing. Additionally, a strong track record of high-quality journal publications is an advantage.

If you have any questions please contact Dr Charlie Ryan, [email protected].

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality. The University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance. Due consideration will also be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. Both the University of Southampton and Chemistry are proud to hold Athena Swan Silver Awards.

Closing Date: 29 Jan 2026

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £36,636 to £44,746 per annum Full Time Fixed Term until 31/03/2027