Postdoctoral Fellowship in Manufacturing Automation and Autonomous Robotics

University of Alberta, Canada

Updated: about 1 month ago
Deadline: Will remain open until filled.; Will remain open until filled.

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to join our research group in the area of advanced manufacturing, robotic cell design and development, autonomous repair, and manufacturing automation. The current research focus of the group is in intelligent system design, automation, and manufacturing using Industry 4.0 principles  and technologies. The successful candidate will conduct research in autonomous robotic system design and development, hands-on prototyping, programming, sensors integration and analysis, and intelligent process planning and optimization for offsite construction and manufacturing processes. The candidate must have a research focus, evidenced through published peer-reviewed articles or thesis, in one of the following areas:

  • Modeling, simulation, and process optimization for robot-based operations
  • Autonomous robotics: design, path planning and programming
  • Optimization of robotic system design and operations
  • Manufacturing process automation
  • Mechatronics (programming and control)
  • Industrial intelligent automation
  • Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing

    • For validation, the candidate will have access to the partner company’s facility and various software. The candidate will also have access to 5-axis and 3-axis CNC machines, a 3-axis CMM, 3-axis 3D printing technologies, 2D and 3D vision systems, lidar and other proximity sensors, and all the industrial robots and mechatronics facilities available in the Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing, Design and Automation (LIMDA) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. The current vacancy is a full-time position based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for 1 year (extended to two based on your performance). The salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

    Candidate profile

    The position requires a self-starting researcher with a proven record of accomplishment of publications. Applicants require an excellent understanding of design and manufacturing principles, CAD modeling, robotic design and simulation, programming, and the capability to carry out independent research. The candidate must also demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills evident through high-quality journal publications in the research area. The candidate must be able to work and lead in a team-oriented environment. As a part of the project, the candidate will work with a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, graduate students, and industrial collaborators. The candidate must also be able to travel as per the projects’ needs, following COVID-19 mandated travel and immigration restrictions noted by the University of Alberta, and the governments of Alberta and Canada. The ideal candidate shall have evidence of the following:


    Specialized Training & Skills

  • A Ph.D. in mechanical, civil, computer science or electrical engineering, or a field closely related to advanced manufacturing, robotics, and mechatronics
  • Expertise and research experience in one or more of the core areas described above
  • Established experience in systems design, modeling, and simulation of automated or robotic processes evident through published research
  • Experience in the application of CAD modeling and robotic programming and control
  • Proficiency in programming in Matlab, C/C++/C#, Python, PLCs and in an established CAD/CAM software packages

    • Preferred Skills

  • Prior experience working with machine learning, especially deep learning and neural networks
  • Prior experience with digital-twins and visualization tools
  • Knowledge of design methodologies and design optimization
  • Experience with robotic simulation software, such as RobotStudio

    • How to Apply

    The position is now open and applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled. To apply, the candidates may email the application package to Dr. Rafiq Ahmad ([email protected] ). The email subject should contain the job ID. LIMDA70421PDF. The application package should contain a PDF file with the file name in the format LIMDA70421PDF_lastname_firstname.pdf containing the following:

  • A cover letter
  • A detailed academic CV including a minimum of three references (including PhD supervisor)
  • Copies of degree transcripts
  • Copies of 2 relevant journal publications related to the research area (most relevant and impact)
  • One page research statement showing your fit with the described areas and a plan for future research

    • LIMDA is proudly located at the University of Alberta in the heartland of Alberta, Canada. The University of Alberta is one of the top 100 universities in the world ranking and among the top 5 Canadian Universities. Any further inquiries related to the job and/or the application process may be directed to Dr. Rafiq Ahmad.

    Contact Person:

    Dr. Rafiq Ahmad, Assistant Professor, University of Alberta

    Head of Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing, Design and Automation

    Email: ([email protected] ) Phone: (Ư) 780 492-7180 (Please note that no inquiries will be entertained by phone)

    We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

    COVID-19 Vaccination: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in compliance with the University’s COVID-19 Vaccination Directive. Fully Vaccinated means a status an individual achieves 14 days after having received the recommended number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization, and requires the individual to maintain the recommended number and type of vaccine doses as updated and required by Health Canada thereafter.


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