Research Assistant: AI-Enabled Digital Twin and Autonomous Systems Evaluation
Department: Department of Architecture and the Built Environment
Location: City Centre Campus (Millennium Point)
Salary: £38,050 to £44,131 per annum
Fixed Term contract for 23 months
Post Type: Full Time
Release Date: 09 April 2026
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 30 April 2026
Reference: ABCE26017
Role Summary
We are seeking a Research Assistant: AI-Enabled Digital Twin and Autonomous Systems Evaluation to join our Department of Architecture and the Built Environment, School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering (ABCE), contributing to internationally funded research at the intersection of autonomous drone systems, AI analytics, and regulatory evaluation.
In this role, you will lead BCU’s independent evaluation responsibilities on the EARHEART project – European project trialling cloud-based Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. Your work will directly inform the regulatory frameworks that govern the future of autonomous drone services across Europe, a market projected to exceed €115 billion by 2030.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct independent technology assessment of the EARHEART BVLOS drone platform, evaluating AI-enabled inspection capabilities, sensor performance, and system readiness against defined trial KPIs across built environment use cases including infrastructure inspection and urban public safety.
* Assess the performance of autonomous drone systems operating in and around built environment assets, evaluating data quality, operational reliability, and inspection outcomes.
* Analyse the regulatory and planning landscape governing autonomous aerial systems in the built environment, mapping trial findings against UK and EU frameworks and identifying pathways to regulatory adoption.
* Author high-impact policy and industry outputs, including a BVLOS White Paper, communicating trial outcomes, technology readiness, and recommendations to built environment practitioners, asset owners, and regulatory bodies.
* Produce peer‑reviewed academic publications, contribute to consortium reporting, and represent BCU at project governance and dissemination events throughout the project.
Qualifications and Experience
* A minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Digital Built Environment, Civil Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
* Demonstrable analytical skills with the ability to assess complex sociotechnical systems, evaluate performance against defined criteria, and produce clear, evidence-based reports.
* Understanding of AI and digital systems, with the ability to critically evaluate the performance and maturity of technology platforms.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports, white papers, and academic outputs for both technical and policy audiences.
* Ability to work independently, manage competing deliverables, and contribute effectively within an international multi-partner research consortium.
* Interest in or awareness of regulatory frameworks, technology policy, or the governance of emerging autonomous systems.
* MSc or PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Autonomous Systems, Aerospace Engineering, Digital Built Environment, or a closely related discipline.
* Familiarity with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV/drone) systems, BVLOS operations, or autonomous systems technology and their regulatory context.
* Knowledge of UK or European aviation regulatory frameworks, including familiarity with the UK CAA, EASA, or drone regulation more broadly.
* Experience in technology evaluation, impact assessment, or market analysis, ideally in an applied or policy-facing context.
* Awareness of digital twin concepts, cloud-based platforms, or AI-enabled autonomous systems and their commercial applications.
* Experience in a collaborative or externally funded research environment such as a research project, KTP, or industrial placement.
Further Information
* Work‑life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
* Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
* Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
* Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
We encourage applications from people who are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of the Department of Architecture and Built Environment. We would love to hear from you.
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
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