University of Bristol

Location: SIT Punggol Campus Job Type: Contract Experience Level: 3+ years relevant experience (preferred) About Us: Autonomous Systems Advanced Intelligence Laboratory (ASAIL) is at the forefront of developing next-generation unmanned aerial capabilities for the public safety sector. We are bridging the gap between commercial drone hardware and the demanding requirements of law enforcement and security operations. Our mission is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of personnel through intelligent, resilient, and autonomous aerial systems. We are currently seeking a highly motivated Research Engineer to lead the applied research and development of advanced control augmentation techniques for Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) drones. This role focuses on pushing the limits of COTS hardware by integrating sophisticated software and edge computing solutions. The Role: As our Research Engineer, you will be responsible for the end-to-end development of augmentation software, from theoretical design and simulation to real-world proof-of-concept demonstrations. You will work on a portfolio of critical enhancements, including advanced navigation algorithms, swarm intelligence, cyber security hardening, and payload-specific control systems. Key Responsibilities: Control Augmentation Development: Design, implement, and tune advanced control augmentation techniques (e.g., model predictive control, adaptive control) to enhance the stability and agility of COTS drones under dynamic conditions. Swarm Intelligence: Develop and test decentralized swarm algorithms for coordinated area search, target tracking, and collaborative task allocation without reliance on constant ground control intervention. Cyber Security Enhancement: Research and implement mitigation strategies against common attack vectors on COTS platforms, including GPS spoofing, communication jamming, and protocol vulnerabilities. Develop hardened communication layers between the drone, edge device, and ground station. Payload-Specific Control: Integrate and tune control systems for mission-specific payloads (e.g., gimbaled cameras, spotlights, delivery mechanisms) to ensure stable operation and precise control during flight. Edge Computing Implementation: Architect and deploy machine learning and computer vision models directly onto onboard edge devices (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson) for real-time object detection, tracking, and autonomous decision-making. Proof-of-Concept Demonstration: Lead the integration of software onto physical drone platforms, conduct rigorous flight testing, and execute live demonstrations to validate performance against operational requirements. Documentation & Dissemination: Document research findings, software architectures, and test results. Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. Required Qualifications & Expertise: Education: Honor’s degree (Master’s and Ph.D. preferred) in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. Control Theory: Strong theoretical and practical background in control systems, including PID, LQR, MPC, or adaptive control. Robotics Software: Extensive experience with the Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS 2). Programming: High proficiency in C++ and Python for real-time robotic applications. Simulation: Experience with realistic simulation environments such as Gazebo, AirSim, or Unreal Engine. Edge Computing: Proven experience deploying algorithms on resource-constrained edge devices for real-time inference and control. Drone Platforms: Hands-on experience with commercial autopilots (PX4, ArduPilot) and integrating software with COTS frames (DJI, Holybro, etc.) via companion computers. Swarm Robotics: Familiarity with consensus algorithms, formation control, and communication protocols for multi-agent systems. Security: Understanding of wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, MAVLink) and common cybersecurity vulnerabilities in drone systems. Preferred Skills (Bonus): Experience in law enforcement, defense, or public safety technology projects. Knowledge of computer vision techniques for object detection and tracking (YOLO, OpenCV). Experience with RF signal analysis or spectrum monitoring.

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT.  Job Responsibilities Participate in and manage a few research projects with the Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI and the research team members to ensure all project deliverables are met. Accumulate data from Co-PIs for quarterly, annual, or final progress reports Schedule meetings with co-PIs, collaborators on-site or off-site Update research or project team's activities on social media, website, and record videos when needed. Supporting PI/research team for overseas traveling, meetings, budgeting and collecting photos for reports. Facilitate visiting students or scholars for internal document collection and approval. Collect documents needed for different projects as KPIs. Undertake these responsibilities in the project: i. Lead and support high-quality publications to disseminate the applied research outcomes. ii. Plan, organize, and carry out experiments and trials in the labs to achieve the objectives iii. Manage and complete the project by presenting the findings in conferences or meetings with industrial collaborator, submitting timely data & documents, and purchasing chemicals or consumables. iv. Consolidate the data in order to generate sufficient scientific evidence for meeting slides and reports. v. Engage and communicate with collaborators for progress meetings and report generation to meet the grantor's requirements. The candidate is to liaise and communicate with any internal or external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met and to perform any other adhoc duties assigned by Supervisor.  Job requirements Have relevant competence in the areas of project management, organizing documents, and facilitating report drafting. Have a degree in Food Science and Technology, Engineering or Science is a bonus. Some analytical work experience for texture analysis, food formulation and characterization, or publication is a bonus Detail-oriented person, able to communicate with industrial collaborators to share key findings, seek supports, or conduct commercial trials. Coordinate procurement and liaison with vendors/suppliers. Work independently, as well as within a team, to ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment.

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) plays a unique and influential role in nurturing future generations of performing artists, including performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians. Ranked 10th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Performing Arts and 1st in Asia, the Academy and its Schools of Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts form a vibrant centre of practice, production, teaching, and practice-as-research. Its outstanding reputation is reinforced by the quality of its graduates and its partnerships with centres of excellence locally, regionally, and internationally. Through international residencies, visiting artists, and a distinguished alumni network - including some of the most respected professionals in their disciplines - the Academy is committed to training future world-class performers and practitioners. The School of Music at the Academy offers comprehensive full-time programmes, including Diploma, BMus, MMus, and a planned doctoral degree, alongside its highly successful Junior Music Programme – comparable to the ‘Junior Schools’ of other world-leading conservatoires. In keeping with its conservatoire status, the School’s philosophy is centred on performance and reflects the unique cultural mix of Hong Kong, with emphasis on both Western and Chinese traditions. The School comprises the Departments of Strings, Keyboard, Voice, Woodwind/Brass/Percussion (‘WBP’), Composition, Chinese Music, Academic Studies and Junior Music. The Senior Lecturer (Creative Music Entrepreneurship) plays a key role in advancing teaching, research, and curriculum development in creative music entrepreneurship, cultural leadership, and professional practice. The appointee will help prepare students for diverse and evolving artistic careers by integrating artistic excellence with entrepreneurial thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with the wider cultural and creative industries. The appointee will report to the Head of the Academic Studies in Music and work closely with programme leaders and colleagues across the School. Applicants should have: (a)  A recognised degree or equivalent qualification (preferably a doctoral degree) in Music, Arts Management, Cultural Leadership, Creative Industries, or a related discipline; (b)  A strong professional background and substantial experience in creative music entrepreneurship, cultural leadership, creative industries, or related areas of professional practice; (c)  Normally, a minimum of six years’ experience in teaching entrepreneurship, leadership, or contextual studies at tertiary or conservatoire level; (d)  A strong professional network within the creative industries, cultural sector, or artistic entrepreneurship landscape, ideally with international reach; (e)  A proven record of teaching excellence across undergraduate and/or postgraduate programmes; experience with pre-college music education is an advantage; (f)  Experience in curriculum design, programme development, and the implementation of innovative pedagogical approaches aligned with contemporary developments in the music and creative sectors; (g) Solid experience in collaborative work across disciplines and cultures, with the ability to contribute to School-wide initiatives and cross-departmental projects; (h)  Experience supervising undergraduate and postgraduate independent studies, portfolio projects, research assignments, and creative or professional-practice outputs; (i)  Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills; and (j)  An excellent command of both written and spoken English. Fluency in Chinese (including Putonghua and Cantonese) is an advantage. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT Appointment will be on a two-year renewable contract, subject to performance and mutual agreement. A gratuity payment up to 15% of the total basic salary earned during the contract period, may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the full contract. The amount of gratuity payable will be the sum which, when added to the Academy’s contribution to a Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme as required by the MPF Schemes Ordinance, equals 15% of the total basic salary drawn during the contract period. Fringe benefits include leave, medical, and dental benefits. The starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A non-accountable Cash Allowance may be provided to the eligible appointee. The expected commencement date will be 1 September 2026. APPLICATIONS To apply, please submit a completed Application Form (https://www.hkapa.edu/job-opportunity/senior-lecturer-creative-music-entrepreneurship), together with a cover letter, curriculum vitae and copies of academic qualifications, to the Human Resources Office, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, No.1 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, or email (hro@hkapa.edu) on or before 27 April 2026. Please quote reference code ‘SL(CMEnt)’ in the Application Form. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. HKAPA is an equal opportunity employer. Personal data collected will be used for recruitment-related purposes only.