What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Drone Control, AI and Flight Testing position at University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience?
The role
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: Soufrière 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 in summer, 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?
Additional information
For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Arthur arthur.richards@bristol.ac.uk
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 - £44,128 (Grade I) OR £42,882 - £48,149 (Grade J) per annum depending on experience
School/Unit: The Faculty of Science and Engineering
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 05/08/2025
The interviews are anticipated to take place week commencing 18/08/25
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.
Available documents
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: Soufrière 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 in summer, 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?
- 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.
- 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.
Additional information
For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Arthur arthur.richards@bristol.ac.uk
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 - £44,128 (Grade I) OR £42,882 - £48,149 (Grade J) per annum depending on experience
School/Unit: The Faculty of Science and Engineering
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 05/08/2025
The interviews are anticipated to take place week commencing 18/08/25
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.
Available documents
- JD - MACE Research Associate or Senior RA in Drone Control, AI and Flight Testing..pdf
- Faculty of Science & Engineering Further Particulars 2024-25.pdf
Salary : $38,249 - $48,149
