Atmospheric Turbulence Correction Algorithms Engineer (KTP Associate)

The role

The University of Bristol wishes to recruit a highly skilled & qualified graduate / post-graduate to lead and deliver a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Thales UK Limited, a global electronics and digital systems group, servicing defence, avionics, banking, digital identity, security, transport and services markets.

The post holder will be based at the Thales Optronics site in Glasgow and will help to develop advanced, real-time atmospheric turbulence correction algorithms to enhance the long-range imaging quality of optical sighting systems. You will embed new knowledge into the business using research and academic support from the University of Bristol. You will be able to apply your degree in real world applications with the role providing an introduction to industrial and commercial work whilst retaining links to academia.

This 24-month KTP includes a £4,000 training budget with 10% of your time dedicated to your personal development. You will have access to a pension scheme with generous employer contributions. This unique funded opportunity from Innovate UK provides a blend of training and expert supervision, focusing on fast-track development of personal, organisational, leadership and analysis skills. The project will deliver new cutting-edge technology, provide excellent career development and hone your skills to become a future leader. 

What will you be doing?

• Reviewing and benchmarking advanced image and video processing algorithms
• Developing and adapting machine learning models
• Integrating and deploying algorithms onto industrial hardware
• Evaluating performance in realistic scenarios and refining solutions under system constraints.
• Supporting the transfer of robust, deployable technology into the business.
• Disseminating results via conferences and meetings
• Writing papers in both high impact and specialised journals
• You will be the project lead, managing your own workload and ensuring outputs, including leading on meetings and workshops. 
• Direct problem-solving activities and your own learning.
• You’ll have creative freedom to suggest changes and develop the project plan. 

You should apply if

• First degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics (PhD desirable)
• Strong mathematical background.
• Experience of image processing and analysis techniques and experience of coding (e.g. Python, Matlab and/or C++).
• Deep learning experience.
• Eligibility to obtain M.O.D Security Clearance.
• Knowledge of atmospheric turbulence modelling or mitigations methods (desirable).
• Knowledge of algorithm deployment on hardware platforms (desirable).
• Excellent communication skills and experience of developing research projects or industry/academia collaborations.
• Willingness to lead and take ownership of the project with excellent problem-solving skills.

Additional information

Contract type: Fixed Term for 24 months.  The duration will be 24 months from the start of the contract.

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time Thursday 5th March 2026

For informal queries please contact: Dr Nantheera Anantrasirichai (N.Anantrasirichai@bristol.ac.uk)

Shortlisting will be finalised by the middle of March.  Interviews are expected to be held in week commencing, Monday 30th March 2026.

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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