Research Fellow in AI-Based Adaptive Flight Control for Next-Generation Aircraft

The Computational Engineering and Design (CED) Research Group at the University of Southampton is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join our Agile Robotics Laboratory. You will be working under the supervision of Dr Sergio Araujo-Estrada and Prof James Scanlan on the project “Adaptive AI Flight Controller for Improved Flight Characteristics”. The aim of this research is to develop a new generation of intelligent flight control systems capable of dynamically adapting to internal changes (e.g., component faults, geometry-configuration changes) and external perturbations (e.g., turbulence).

The project will use low-cost drone platforms to develop and trial this technology. As part of this, we will use a combination of simulated and physical flight tests to produce an adaptive neural flight controller for both a forward-flight and a vertical take-off and landing UAV configurations. You will be responsible for:

• conducting flight dynamics characterisation experiments for the two UAV platforms using our state-or-the-art R J Mitchell wind tunnel,
• producing a flight dynamics simulation model and training an adaptive neural flight controller using our High Performance Computing facility Iridis,
• conducting physical flight tests to assess the performance of the adaptive neural flight controller in in close collaboration with our project partner Luffy AI, an SME developing ultra-robust, neuroplastic flight control technology.

There will also be opportunities to supervise post-graduate students and to get involved in other projects in AI-based flight controllers.

You will be joining the CED research group, a team of experts in multidisciplinary engineering simulation and design. Collaborate on practical topics with postdoctoral researchers and graduate students using analytical, computational, and experimental techniques focused on industrial applications.

If you are interested in this position, you should have or be close to completing a PhD in flight dynamics, simulation and control or a closely related engineering field. Experience in aircraft flight dynamics modelling, simulation, and control, as well as developing AI-based control solutions is critical. Experience in wind tunnel and physical flight testing is desirable. Strong communication and language skills, as evidenced by publications and presentations, are essential.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture, where having a diverse workforce, inclusive for everyone, including those of all ages and beliefs, from different racial, educational, and social backgrounds, opens a wealth of possibilities. We actively encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply for this position.

Please note due to this project’s research topic, international applicants may need to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if an offer is made. This certificate is required for certain sensitive technology-related fields to ensure security compliance, more information at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Please contact Dr Sergio Araujo-Estrada (s.araujo-estrada@soton.ac.uk) and/or Prof James Scanlan (j.p.scanlan@soton.ac.uk) for further details about the position.

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