Division/School School of Civil, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Contract type Open Ended
Working pattern Full time
Salary £33,199 to £37,345 per annum
Closing date for applications 15-May-2019

Do you wish to advance the technology of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (or drones) in a cutting-edge research project? Do you have a passion for research into robots and autonomous systems? Do you enjoy the challenge of connecting cutting-edge research to real-world utility? The University of Bristol has the ideal opportunity for you.

The University of Bristol has been awarded a flagship national Programme Grant entitled CASCADE. This Programme brings together five world-leading UAV and Aerial Robotics groups from the Universities of Bristol, Southampton, Imperial, Cranfield, Manchester (see www.cascadeuav.com for details). Between them, the CASCADE team has decades of experience operating complex unmanned systems at a range of scales for engineering and science purposes and on a wide range of successful projects. We are seeking two Postdoctoral Research Associates to work on new techniques for autonomous decision-making and control for civilian drones. In particular, Bristol will be delivering case study projects on structural inspection and environmental science, deploying a range of UAVs from small multi-rotors to larger fixed-wing platforms, and with unprecedented levels of autonomy to reduce operational workload.

You will have a research track record in robotics, control, autonomy, automation, navigation, design, or another relevant technical discipline, evidenced by publications and enriched with some experience of practical implementation. You will have a relevant doctorate, or be close to completing one, or have equivalent experience. Successful candidates will not need experience of working with drones, as you’ll be joining a team with established expertise in drone technology and flight.

The focus of these research roles is on the autonomy, with the successful candidates helping to shape the programme agenda.

Applicants with experience in any aspect of autonomous systems research are encouraged to apply.

The posts are offered on a full-time basis for 1.5 years each, with prospect for extension, and the university offers flexible working and a very generous leave entitlement.

The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Wednesday 15th May 2019.

It is anticipated that interviews will take place in shortly after the advert closes.

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Arthur Richards ( arthur.richards@bristol.ac.uk ) or Dr Tom Richardson ( thomas.richardson@bristol.ac.uk ).

We appreciate and value difference, seeking to attract, develop and retain a diverse mix of talented people that will contribute to the overall success of Bristol and help maintain our position as one of the world’s leading universities.