Post/s of Full-Time Research Support Officer I - Institute of Aerospace Technologies

Call for Applications (Call ID: 35/2024)

Post/s of Full-Time Research Support Officer I

Project ARTIAP – “Artificial Intelligence-based Additional Pilot”

Funded by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST)

And Any Other Projects Undertaken by the Institute of Aerospace Technologies.

Applications are invited for a Research Support Officer (RSO) to work on a full-time basis on the “Artificial Intelligence-based Additional Pilot” (ARTIAP), a project financed by the Malta Council for Science and Technology through the Fusion R&I Technology Development Programme. The selected applicant will develop Machine Learning algorithms and human machine interface concepts to assist airline pilots in the flight deck. This work will be carried out in collaboration with project partner QuAero Ltd.  The RSO may be required to work on other projects undertaken by the Institute of Aerospace Technologies.

Applicants must be in possession of an undergraduate degree in Artificial Intelligence, aerospace engineering, or a related area.

The University of Malta is an Equal Opportunity employer.

The selected candidate must be living in Malta during the period of employment.

The post is for a period of up to 33 months and carries an initial annual remuneration (inclusive of any cost-of-living adjustment) of €25,709.

Candidates must upload their covering letter, curriculum vitae, and certificates (certificates should be submitted in English) and contact details of at least two referees through this form https://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/workatum-projects by not later than Monday, 15^th April 2024.  

Late applications will not be considered. 

Further information may be obtained from http://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/recruitment and should you have any queries, please send us an email on projects.hrmd@um.edu.mt

Further Information

The RSO will be responsible for the execution of a number of tasks related to ARTIAP, a project financed by the Malta Council for Science and Technology through the Fusion R&I Technology Development Programme, in which the Institute of Aerospace Technologies is the lead partner.

Automation on current transport category aircraft has evolved to the point where the pilot’s role is becoming increasingly supervisory in nature. However, this has led to pilots becoming less aware of how the automation is behaving, posing a risk to the continued safety of flight. In addition, the industry is moving towards a reduction in flight crew through the introduction of Reduced Crew Operations (RCOs) in the near-term and Single Pilot Operations (SPOs) in the long-term. This poses challenges, particularly in high workload conditions, and the support currently provided by the second pilot needs to be replaced by other means.

ARTIAP will develop technology – based on Machine Learning (ML) – to provide a replacement of the support traditionally provided by the second pilot and to also provide support to the current two-person crew in large transport aircraft. The ARTIAP technology will monitor complex operations in flight and aid the pilots in their situational awareness and decision-making by providing visual and/or aural alerts and recommendations.

Further information may be provided by contact Dr Ing. Jason Gauci at jason.gauci@um.edu.mt.

1. The main duties and responsibilities of the appointee will consist of carrying out research duties including:

1. working closely with the project coordinator and the project partner throughout the project;
2. developing and testing algorithms using programming tools and languages such as Python, MATLAB and Simulink;
3. producing project deliverables within the time frames specified in the project Grant Agreement;
4. attending project-related meetings;
5. writing scientific conference or journal papers related to the project, and presenting them at relevant conferences;
6. assisting in dissemination activities related to the project;
7. abiding by the conditions imposed by the project; and
8. performing any other project-related tasks as instructed by the project coordinator.

The appointee will be expected to work at such places and during such hours as may be determined by the University authorities.

The selection procedure will involve:

a.   scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application);

b.  shortlisting; and

c.   an interview and / or extended interview.

The post is for a period of up to 33 months, which will be subject to a probationary period and to the provisions of the Statutes, Regulations and Bye-Laws of the University of Malta which are now or which may hereafter be in force.

Office of the University,

Msida, 20th March 2024