Overview
Research Associate in Reinforcement Learning (AP13004) – Bath, BA2 7AY
About the role
Shipping currently produces greenhouse gas emissions on par with aviation, and significant efforts are underway to reduce its environmental impact. One promising approach is Wind-Assisted Propulsion, which decreases the thrust required from propellers and, consequently, the load on internal combustion engines. However, the optimal control of these propulsion systems remains an open challenge. This project builds on our preliminary work using reinforcement learning to develop control strategies and aims to develop an advanced controller based on reinforcement learning that will optimise operation, aligned with financial and operational incentives.
The ideal candidate will have:
- A PhD in Computer Science or a related field
- Experience in developing and evaluating reinforcement learning systems
- Excellent coding skills
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Excellent communication skills
Further informationÂ
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Özgür Simsek (os435@bath.ac.uk) or Nathan Sell (nps22@bath.ac.uk).
Applications should include a full CV and writing samples.
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.
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.
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 equality 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.
What we can offer you
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:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- 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
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.
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Closing Date: 18 Sep 2025
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
