Research Fellow in Drone Logistics

Civil, Maritime & Environmental Engineering

Location:  

Boldrewood Campus

Salary:  

£32,348 to £35,333
per annum

Full Time Fixed Term (until 30/06/2024)

Closing Date:  

Monday 17 October 2022

Interview Date:  

To be confirmed

Reference:  

2008722DA

You will join our collaborative teams led by Professor Tom Cherrett (Transportation Research Group) and Professor Jim Scanlan (Uncrewed Aerial Systems Group) working on the Department for Transport’s, Future Transport Zones, Drones project. 

Responsible for overseeing and contributing to fundamental new research into how UAVs (drones) could be integrated into existing NHS logistics systems to improve speed of response and enhance overall patient care. The research remit will be broad and you will work with the established research teams across the core areas of: i) fundamental UAV design in relation to NHS cargoes considering the requirements of dangerous goods carriage and medicine stability; ii) UAV routing considering air and ground risks; iii) the design of reception facilities for integrating UAVs with traditional ground logistics systems; iv) simulating and evaluating multi-modal NHS logistics systems involving the wide scale use of UAVs; v) overseeing the roll out and evaluation of UAV trials involving the NHS across the Solent Region; vi) contributing to the development of public engagement activities to demonstrate what NHS drone logistics systems might be like.

The research will involve working with a series of industrial partners and NHS trusts, utilising a variety of data sets ranging from significant historic records of patient diagnostic and pharmacy movements to flight data from live UAV trials.

The findings, methods and systems developed are expected to be of sufficient scientific novelty and application that they will lead to publications in leading transport scientific journals. You will disseminate the research findings at project meetings, international conferences, industrial and public engagement events. As an experienced researcher, you will be responsible for supporting general research activity at the University of Southampton and encouraging PhD, MSc and Undergraduate student engagement in the research.

To be successful you have a PhD (or equivalent professional qualifications and experience) in aeronautics, or Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system design and operation, or Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Traffic Management (UTM) system design and development or aerodynamic and vibration performance of air frames or a closely related topic. You will demonstrate experience of independent research, with a publications track record to match, and the ability to work with other academics, local and central Government and industry. You will also be able to manage conflicting priorities and time constraints, possess good organisational and time management skills, pay close attention to detail, and have excellent interpersonal skills. Existing experience of UAV logistics will be an advantage.

Equality, diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in the School of Engineering. We particularly encourage women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic, LGBT and disabled applicants to apply for this position. In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science we were awarded an Athena SWAN bronze in 2013 and 2016.   We give full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy*, onsite childcare facilities

 The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.  Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.  This commits all of our staff and students to take responsibility for managing their activities to minimise harm to the environment, whether this through switching off non-essential electrical equipment or using the recycling facilities.

 *subject to qualifying criteria

Applications 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 completion of PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk . The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Holly Shergold  (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750, or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk . Please quote reference 2008722DA on all correspondence.

Further details:

We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial, educational and social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants that value the diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity. 

Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert.