The successful candidate will contribute to the development of scalable optimisation algorithms, adjoint-based sensitivity analysis, high-performance CFD, and robust treatment of complex multi-physics design problems. The role will involve extending and applying our existing topology optimisation capability to challenging three-dimensional thermofluid systems, with particular emphasis on computational efficiency, numerical robustness, and large-scale design spaces.

The project is part of a broader collaborative programme involving complementary expertise in high-fidelity flow simulation and experimental fluid mechanics.

Applicants should have a strong background in computational fluid dynamics (preferably with OpenFOAM), numerical optimisation, high-performance computing or a closely related area. Experience in topology optimisation, adjoint methods, turbulent flow modelling, heat transfer, or high-performance computing would be particularly advantageous.

Closing Date: 25 Nov 2026

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £37,369 to £41,885 Per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 3 years

The Research Fellow will drive development of a whole life geotechnical design framework for offshore anchoring systems. The role will focus on creating a dataset from finite element analysis, interpretation of the results to create a lumped element macro model, and development of a stand-alone calculation tool to enable accessible interaction with the framework.

We are seeking candidates with a PhD or equivalent professional qualification in geotechnical engineering with strong numerical, computational and coding skills and preferably interests & knowledge of offshore renewable energy and seabed sediments.

This role is part of the Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies for Intelligent & Resilient Ocean Engineering. The applicant will work within a large and vibrant group of offshore geotechnical engineers and geoscientists within the Centre of Excellence affiliated with the Chair.

We offer a generous renumeration package, including relocation assistance where appropriate, an attractive research environment on our modern Boldrewood Innovation campus, the latest facilities and access to a variety of staff development opportunities as part of the  Centre of Excellence for Intelligent & Resilient Ocean Engineering (IROE) and the Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute (SMMI).

For further questions, please contact Professor Susan Gourvenec (smg1g17@soton.ac.uk).

Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the ethos in the School of Engineering. We give full consideration to applicants who wish to work flexibly including part-time, and to those who have taken a career break. The University has onsite childcare facilities and we foster a good work-life balance. We also offer a mentorship programme, and the school runs a women-oriented network event on a bi-weekly basis. We are also committed to disability inclusion and encourage applications from disabled candidates as stated under the Equality Act 2010.

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities, committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university embedded into all aspects of our individual and collective work, in our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.

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Closing Date: 16 Nov 2026

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £37,369 to £45,641 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 24 months