Job Description

The role

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Do you want to work as part of a dynamic team to develop a high-altitude sensing platform for studying volcanoes as a proxy for climate engineering? Do you enjoy the challenge of connecting cutting-edge research to real-world utility? The University of Bristol has the ideal opportunity in UAVs, autonomy, flight optimisation and sensing for you!

We're looking for a talented and motivated Research Associate or Senior Research Associate in Drone Control, AI and Flight Testing to join an ambitious, high-impact project.

The successful candidate will contribute to an exciting, multidisciplinary research project focused on the design, development, and operation of high-altitude Uncrewed Air Vehicles (UAVs) for monitoring volcanic emissions used as a real-world proxy to explore Climate Engineering strategies.

This four-year project combines cutting-edge UAV engineering with field-based atmospheric science. You will be part of a team advancing UAV capabilities while simultaneously deploying these systems in active volcanic environments. Development and flight testing will run in parallel with field campaigns at three key volcanic sites: Soufriere Hills Volcano (Montserrat), Fuego (Guatemala), and Lascar (Chile). These deployments offer a rare opportunity to gather high-impact environmental data in some of the most dynamic and scientifically significant locations on Earth.

The level of the role offered will depend on the skills, experience, and qualifications you bring to the project.

We are looking for an ideal candidate to join our team around June, as this aligns with the start of this important project. We are open to some flexibility with the start date, so if you're available shortly before or after, we'd still love to hear from you.

The post is offered on a full-time basis for up to 4 years (April 2029), and the university offers flexible working and a very generous leave entitlement. It is anticipated that interviews will take place in shortly after the advert closes. Please note that this position is subject to funding and awaiting the contract to be signed. Please visit www.aria.org.uk for further information. Applications and interviews can take place, but an offer of employment can't be made until the funding is formally secured.

What will you be doing?

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Over the course of this four-year project, the University of Bristol Flight Lab will be developing UAV sensing platforms, designed to operated up to 30,000ft AMSL. Conduct research into advanced UAV/aircraft design, operational performance, real-time sensing, and dynamic onboard re-routing to enable autonomous decision-making in complex environments. Participate in flight testing campaigns at a range of diverse and exciting locations, including Llanbedr Airfield (Wales), Montserrat, Guatemala, and Chile. Contribute hands-on expertise in building, integrating, and operating high-performance Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) in challenging field conditions, supporting both engineering innovation and scientific discovery.

You should apply if

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A relevant doctorate (or be close to completion), or equivalent professional experience in aerospace engineering, robotics, or a closely related field. Hands-on experience working with drones in a lab setting, with a focus on the

design, flight testing, performance, and operation

of high-altitude sensing UAVs. A strong track record of research in areas such as

drone path planning, flight control, sensing systems

, and/or

aircraft simulation

, demonstrated through high-quality publications and supported by substantial practical experience in

real-world flight trials

. A collaborative mindset and the ability to thrive in a

dynamic, agile team

focused on building and deploying cutting-edge sensing platforms in field environments.

For a full view of what's required at the Research Associate and Senior Research Associate level, please refer to the attached job description.

Additional information

--------------------------

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Tom Richardson -

thomas.richardson@bristol.ac.uk

.

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/

Contract type: Open Ended with Fixed Funding until April 2029

Work pattern: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week.

Grade: I/J/ Pathway 2

Salary: 38,249 - 42,882 per annum

School/Unit: The Faculty of Science and Engineering

This advert will close

at

23:59 UK time

on 18/05/2025

Interviews are anticipated to take place as soon as possible after the closing date - ideally one week.

Our strategy and mission

----------------------------


We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an

inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential.

We want

to attract, develop, and retain individuals

with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives - particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.


JOB NUMBER###

ACAD108089

CONTRACT TYPE/WORK PATTERN###

Open ended / Full time

POSTING END DATE###

21 May 2025

FACULTY/DIVISION###

Faculty of Engineering

SALARY###

38,249 - 42,882 per annum depending on experience