Research Assistant

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 12 months

The James Watt School of Engineering is looking for a Research Assistant to contribute to the European Space Agency project “Robust Real-Time Constrained Optimal Control using Machine Learning” working with Dr Kevin Worrall and Dr Matteo Ceriotti, in collaboration with industrial partner Craft Prospect Ltd.

This project is an exciting opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge research aiming to demonstrate the effective use of Machine Learning (ML) for the robust optimal control of space systems. The objective of this project is to leverage recent advancements in ML and embedded optimization to develop a methodology for optimal spacecraft motion planning and control that is both computationally efficient to be deployed on space hardware and can handle known modelling uncertainties, navigation errors and stochastic disturbances by design. The capabilities of the novel motion planning technology will be demonstrated in simulation on challenging benchmark use cases relevant for current and upcoming space missions where the ML-enhanced trajectory planning and optimal control methods can bring the most added benefit. Examples of such mission scenarios include autonomous precision landing, guided atmospheric re-entry, spacecraft rendezvous, in-orbit servicing and proximity operations. The computational performance and reliability of the machine-learning-based motion planner will also be verified on flight representative computing hardware.

The outcomes will be supported by comprehensive documentation, describing the design, use and verification of the solutions and simulator.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

For informal discussions about the role, please contact Dr. Kevin Worrall (Kevin.Worrall@glasgow.ac.uk)

For more information on the University of Glasgow’s, James Watt School of Engineering, please visit www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering

For more information and to apply online: www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/research-assistant-13

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.

We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equality.

The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.

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