Research Associate in Atmospheric Dynamics for High-Altitude Autonomous Platforms (SS13809) - Bath, BA2 7AY

Applications are invited for an exciting and dynamic Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Atmospheric Dynamics for High-Altitude Autonomous Platforms, working with Dr Neil Hindley at the University of Bath’s Centre for Climate, Adaptation and Environment Research (CAER). The successful candidate will work on STRAT-NAV, a £2m research project exploring how atmospheric gravity waves can be predicted, navigated and exploited to extend the flight times of high-altitude platform systems (HAPS) operating in the stratosphere.

High-altitude platform systems (HAPS) are autonomous aircraft designed to operate in the stratosphere, above commercial aviation, where they can provide long-endurance communications, sensing and monitoring capabilities. However, many current HAPS aircraft face serious power limitations at UK latitudes during winter, when solar power is at a minimum. Our project, STRAT-NAV, will explore the opportunity to overcome these limitations by using atmospheric gravity waves as a source of lift. Just as gliders soar on waves in the lower atmosphere, stratospheric HAPS can reduce their power consumption by navigating through gravity wave updrafts, avoiding downdrafts and regions of turbulence.

Our project will combine km-scale meteorological modelling, atmospheric wave dynamics, optimal routing methods and field observations to enable HAPS platforms to predict, navigate to and soar on gravity waves, especially during winter when stratospheric gravity waves are strongest over the UK. Delivery of STRAT-NAV will involve close collaboration with our project partners including British Antarctic Survey, Limosaero, SkySight and Radical Aero.

This role forms part of the Enduring Atmospheric Platforms research programme, funded by the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). Backed by £50m, this programme explores the opportunity space for high-altitude autonomous atmospheric platforms operating in the stratosphere as part of an effective and economical UK communications network.

The successful candidate will use high-resolution dynamical atmospheric modelling and mathematical routing algorithms to investigate how HAPS aircraft can navigate through atmospheric gravity-wave fields. In Year 1, the candidate will determine the maximum HAPS energy saving opportunity from gravity wave soaring, using km-scale stratospheric modelling and idealised routing algorithms. They will then take part in a UK field campaign, scheduled for winter 2026/27, where we will use intensive radiosonde balloon observations to validate the waves in these meteorological model forecasts and thereby evaluate the viability of this gravity wave assisted HAPS routing technology. In Year 2, the candidate will apply their gravity-wave forecasting and routing capability to real HAPS test flights in the field, working with Radical Aero and other HAPS developers as part of the wider ARIA programme. In Year 3, the candidate will refine the forecasting and routing capability across multiple HAPS platforms and assess its operational and commercial viability.

We are looking for a strongly self-motivated, independent and innovative researcher who enjoys solving new problems. You will be comfortable working in a small team, collaborating closely with external partners, and contributing to a fast-moving applied research programme. This role would particularly suit someone who enjoys both technical computing and practical fieldwork. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to intensive observational campaigns, sometimes working to tight schedules in field conditions, as well as developing and analysing numerical models and routing methods.

You will have a PhD, or equivalent experience, in Physics, Mathematics, Meteorology, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline. You should also have strong programming and computational skills, including ideally Python and/or MATLAB, some familiarity with Bash and UNIX-based systems and handling large datasets. We are especially interested in candidates with one or more of the following:

• Experience in high-resolution atmospheric modelling;
• Experience with atmospheric dynamics, gravity waves, weather forecasting or numerical weather prediction;
• Experience with UAV, aircraft or vehicle routing algorithms;
• A strong mathematical background that could be applied to optimal routing, trajectory planning or dynamical systems;
• Experience working with observational atmospheric datasets;
• Enthusiasm for fieldwork and applied, interdisciplinary research.

You do not need to have worked on HAPS before. We welcome applications from candidates with relevant backgrounds in atmospheric science, applied mathematics, physics, engineering, aerospace systems or adjacent computational fields.

This is a full-time position for 12 months in the first instance, with possible extension to 24 months and then to 36 months, depending on the evolving development of the wider programme and project funding. For candidates who will shortly complete their PhD, a lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

The University of Bath is a signatory to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. As a member of Research Staff, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year. We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader, autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance;
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes;
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme;
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym;
• Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more;
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath;
• A family-friendly workplace;
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce;
• Relocation allowance;
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses;
• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app.

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including staff support groups and networks, a network of Staff Wellbeing Champions, and a suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive.

Closing Date: 12 Aug 2026

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,784 to £46,049