FACULTY OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES

Job Description

Title: Lecturer

Grade: 7/8

Department:UCL Mechanical Engineering

Location:Bloomsbury

Reports to:Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering.

About the Department

The Mechanical Engineering Department at UCL began in 1847 with the appointment of a “Professor of Mechanical Principles of Engineering”, the first mechanical engineering chair in the country. Under Professor Alexander Blackie William Kennedy, appointed Chair of Engineering in 1874, an engineering teaching laboratory was built which became the prototype for university teaching laboratories in use today. Professor Kennedy went on to make major contributions in the design of mechanical and electrical power engineering systems across the world.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering, often in collaboration with others,has been undertaking innovative research and teaching in the fields of power and propulsion engineering for well over a century with notable contributions to both the development of the supply anddemand-sides of the power equation. More recently activities have been focused in the fields of new and renewable energy, low carbon technologies including hybrid propulsion,marine electrical power and propulsion, and novel power systemswith funding from EPSRC, Innovate UK, UK MoD and ONR, andinternational industries.

A new Lecturer in Propulsion Engineering having an outstanding research track record and a strong commitment to teaching excellence is to be appointed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering having specialist knowledge in advanced propulsion systems engineering to add to our expanding team.The following priority areas are identified: autonomous vehicles, energy management, hybridpropulsion systems, and low carbon vehicle design. In particular the successful applicant research should be able to add value to the range of activities ongoing in the department particularly in the ‘Energy and Environment Research Group’ and/or ‘Marine Research Group’. The Department of Mechanical Engineering already works closely in multidisciplinary projects with other departments in propulsion engineering such as Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering and the Energy Institute therefore cross-disciplinary working will be essential. Expansion into UCL East (Stratford in London) new campus will offer new opportunities and laboratory spaces and computer modelling facilities.

Applicants must have a relevant PhD and be developing a strong track record of research in propulsion engineering. The principal criterion for appointment is research excellence demonstrated through a strong publication record and research grant income but additionally a strong commitment to excellence in teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level is also required. The Grade of appointment will be primarily dependent upon research achievement to date.

About the Faculty

The Faculty of Engineering Sciences currently comprises eleven academic departments that undertake research and training across a broad range of disciplines. Our teaching programmes are focused on subjects that have the greatest impact on the world around us, and their content is informed by internationally leading research. Further information is available at

.

UCL is host to a flourishing community of engineers and scientists, conducting world-leading research, and supported by exceptionally strong links with governmental organisations and industry.Within the Faculty of Engineering Sciences there are eleven academic departments undertaking research and education across a great range of disciplines on a global scale. Our scientists and engineers take discoveries from life sciences, pure maths, psychology and many other areas, mix them together, add their own innovations and produce technical solutions the world needs. The products, processes and students we produce change the world we live in and with our teaching we aim take bright, thoughtful, creative people and give them the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to engineer a better world through innovative undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. In 2014, the Faculty of Engineering launched a new undergraduate degree programme –Integrated Engineering Programme based in Bloomsbury. Further details may be found at

.

The post

UCL has developed a wide expertise in energy, power and propulsion systems relating to power delivery and transport applications includingwithin the Department of Mechanical Engineering.The Department is committed to expanding its research in the field of power and propulsion engineering andare encouraging new and innovative areas of activity through this appointment.

The successful applicant will work in the broad field of propulsion system engineering and possess expertise including but not exclusively, energy management, automation and control, low carbon technologies, marine engineering and marine renewables, vehicle propulsion design, electric and hybrid propulsion systems related to transport applications.

The person appointed will already have made a contribution to their field demonstrated though having a strong publication record, securing research grants, and possessing a high quality teaching portfolio.

Candidates seeking to be appointed at Grade 8 would require demonstrable research excellence through a strong publication record and research grant income

Main duties and responsibilities

  1. To develop and lead research in the field of advanced propulsion engineeringto an international standing.
  2. Attract funding for research from national and international sources working with departmental colleagues, other departments within UCL and in collaboration with other national and international research institutions.
  3. Publish world-class peer reviewed journalarticles and other research outputs such as conference proceedings on a regular basis and be willing to disseminate research findings tobenefit wider society through multi-media.
  4. Manage post-doctoral research assistants and supervise research students undertaking PhDs and EngDs related to the engineering specialisation.
  5. Work with colleagues to develop a new and exciting curricula for undergraduate and post-graduate programmes and short courses.
  6. To act as a coordinator to the MSc in Power Systems Engineering with support from administrators.
  7. To prepare teaching and learning materials to a high standard so as to transfer knowledge to undergraduate and postgraduate students in specialist and non-specialist areas.
  8. To supervise and assist with supervision of undergraduate and taught graduate (Masters) including group and individual projects.
  9. Work with the Professional Services team to maintain records so as to monitor student progress, achievement and attendance.
  10. To provide pastoral care and support to students.
  11. To work with colleagues across college in committee work and to take part in external committee work that is beneficial to the candidate’s career development at UCL.
  12. To participate in the administration of the department’s programmes of study and other activities as requested.
  13. To maintain own continuing professional development.
  14. To actively follow and promote UCL policies, including Equal Opportunities.
  15. To maintain an awareness and observation of fire and health and safety regulations.
  16. To carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade and purpose of the post.

All academic staff are expected to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to academic excellence; that is, to the conduct of research, publication, teaching, enabling and other forms of knowledge transfer, at the highest levels of international achievement. More information on UCL standards is available at .

This job description reflects the present requirements of the post, and as duties and responsibilities change/develop, the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the postholder.

Person Specification for Lecturer

  1. Knowledge

Essential: Expertise in engineering areas pertinent to propulsion engineering.

  1. Skills

Desirable for grade 7 and essential for grade 8:

Proven record of ability to conduct high quality research which is reflected in the authorship of high quality publications, or other research outputs, in an area relevant to their discipline.

Evidence of effective teaching and other forms of public presentation.

Proven record of ability to supervise academic work by students.

Proven record of ability to manage time and work to strict deadlines.

Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

  1. Aptitude

Essential: Ability to work collaboratively.

Ability to share in organisation and management of taught programmes.

  1. Qualifications

Essential: PhD in a relevant subject.

  1. Previous Experience

Essential: Research in an area relevant to propulsion engineering.

Desirable for grade 7 and essential for grade 8:

Lecturing and assessment at undergraduate and/or Masters level.

Supervision of postdoctoral research students.

Track record of obtaining external research funding.

Curriculum design.

Programme maintenance and management.

Management and organisation of research projects.

Working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams involving, for example, other academics and/or engineers from industry.

  1. Personal Qualities

Essential:Commitment to excellence in academic research.

Commitment to high quality teaching and fostering a positive learning environment for students.

Commitment to supporting the work of the Department, theFaculty of Engineering, and the Institution.

Commitment to continuous professional development.

Commitment to UCL’s policy of equal opportunity and the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds.

July 2016

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Robert’s Building, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE; Telephone: 020 7679 7062