Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Drone Control, AI and Flight Testing

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.