Research Fellow in Maritime Autonomy (fixed term)

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

The School of Engineering is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF), for  a fixed term of one year,  to join the research project funded by the Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MarRI-UK) to develop autonomous shipping in maritime transport.

This post is in the following direction: Maritime Autonomy. This PDRF needs to improve navigational and operational safety, enhance automation controls, and foster better interactions between humans and autonomous systems in the domain of autonomous ships. Central responsibilities will include the development of high-precision Maritime Situational Awareness and tools for autonomous decision-making that support level 2 or 3 MASS in effectively carrying out their missions. This will entail the creation of advanced technologies for abnormal detection, collision risk assessment, route planning, and robust anti-collision measures. This Research Fellow will also apply realistic traffic scenarios to rigorously validate the reliability and trustworthiness of these autonomous tools. Furthermore, this Research Fellow will formulate a comprehensive strategy to identify high-risk maritime operations currently performed by humans, conduct quantitative analyses on how automation and autonomy can mitigate or manage these risks, and redefine crew operations to support remote-controlled ships. This strategy will focus on identifying current operational challenges and developing measures to mitigate potential risks.

You will work closely with the project coordinator and other project team members, integrating results with each other. You will be expected to present your work via peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and conferences.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and that your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

Informal enquiries may be made to Prof. Zaili Yang at Z.Yang@ljmu.ac.uk, Dr Huanhuan Li at H.Li2@ljmu.ac.uk, and Dr Xuri Xin at X.Xin@ljmu.ac.uk.

The School/ department is committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter for promoting the career of Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in higher education. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post and all appointments will be made on merit.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.

LJMU are committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro-rata).