Research Associate/Fellow in Design and Modelling of Soft and Continuum Robots (Fixed term)

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Engineering
Location:  Jubilee Campus
Salary:  £30,487 to £45,585 per annum (pro rata if applicable) depending on skills and experience (minimum £33966 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.
Closing Date:  Tuesday 05 March 2024
Reference:  ENG009424

The growing field of soft and continuum robotics has opened up new possibilities for robotic systems to operate in uncertain and dynamic environments, such as narrow spaces and interactions with unfamiliar objects. The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre on Manufacturing and On-Wing at the University of Nottingham is a leading research institution specialising in developing soft and continuum robots for locomotion and manipulation in challenging environments.

The position invites applicants to develop soft and continuum robots for operation in confined spaces, thereby enabling the removal of humans from hazardous environments, enhanced productivity, and reduced costs associated with inspection and repair tasks in high-value industrial facilities. This role places you at the forefront of research that tackles scientific challenges and fosters innovation in manipulating soft and continuum robots across industrial and medical applications. The opportunity for close collaboration with industry partners, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and NHS, further enhances the value of the position. For those pursuing an academic career, the possibility of engaging in teaching activities is also available.

Candidates should possess a good knowledge of mechanical and mechatronics design, static and dynamic analysis, and intelligent control related to robotics and demonstrate strong evidence of developing their own approaches (e.g., SolidWorks, MATLAB, ROS, C++ and/or LabVIEW) to model such systems. Previous expertise in developing customised robotics/mechatronics (e.g., for manipulation) would be preferable.

Apart from being capable of leading the research work on this project, the person appointed must have good communication, presentation/reporting, and publishing skills to effectively interact with the international academic and industrial partners involved in this research project. In addition to carrying out project work, the researcher will benefit from exposure to internationally leading industrial companies that are interested in the results of this project and willing to collaborate on spin-put individual projects.

Candidates should possess a good first degree in mechanical/ robotics/ mechatronics/ Control engineering or related disciplines along, and preferably a PhD degree (or about to obtain) in mechatronics/robotics or a related field of mechanical engineering. 

This full time post is fixed term for 18 months, with a start date from 1st March 2024, but a late start could be agreed. Hour of work are full time (36.25 hours). Job share arrangements may be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

It is a condition of this role that you undertake the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. D Axinte, tel: +44 (0)115 951 4117 or email: [email protected].
Please note that applications sent directly to the email address will not be accepted.

Further details:

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