Graduate Research Assistant

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Exeter is seeking a part-time Graduate Research Associate to support the EPSRC-funded RIME project led by Prof Halim Alwi in Exeter. The role focuses on designing and developing a micro-UAV for inspection in confined maritime environments, and integrating and validating the complete inspection system.

The post also covers research on vision-based structural inspection, power optimisation and energy harvesting, working closely with the University research team to deliver the

Qualifications

• Knowledge of unmanned aerial vehicle flight dynamics, robust or fault-tolerant control, and navigation.
• Familiarity with MATLAB and Simulink.
• Experience with autopilot platforms such as Pixhawk or Cube Orange, or hardware-in-the-loop design and rapid prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop a micro-UAV for inspection in confined maritime environments.
• Integrate and validate the complete inspection system.
• Support research on vision-based structural inspection, power optimisation and energy harvesting.

Skills

UAV flight dynamics

Fault-tolerant control

Navigation

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Pixhawk/Cube Orange

Job description

About The Role

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

This EPSRC funded part-time 0.5 FTE post is available immediately, on a fixed term basis, until 28 Feb 2027.

Contract & Salary

Fixed-term contract

Salary will be £ 33,951 (pro rata) on Grade E subject to knowledge, skills and experience.

Location: Exeter

The Role

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Associate to support the work of Prof Halim Alwi. The successful applicant will support the delivery of the EPSRC-funded Impact Accelerator Account (IAA) Robotic Inspection in Maritime Environments (RIME) project. The role will focus primarily on designing and developing a micro-UAV for inspection in confined maritime environments, and integrating and validating the complete inspection system. The postholder will also support research on vision-based structural inspection, power optimisation and energy harvesting, working closely with the University research team.

The post will include the delivery of the EPSRC IAA project Robotic Inspection in Maritime Environments RIME by helping to co-create, develop and validate a micro-UAV inspection system for confined maritime structures. The post will focus principally on requirements and system specification, micro-UAV platform design and development, and system integration and validation, while providing technical and experimental support to the structural health monitoring and endurance and energy-harvesting activities.

About You

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

• knowledge of unmanned aerial vehicle flight dynamics, robust or fault-tolerant control, and navigation,
• familiarity with MATLAB and Simulink,
• experience with autopilot platforms such as Pixhawk or Cube Orange, or hardware-in-the-loop design and control systems rapid prototyping.

What We Can Offer You

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely without academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.

Please contact insert Prof Halim Alwi, insert [e-mail]

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future