COMP0094 - Research Assistant (Robotics and Machine Learning) - 6 months FTC

The University of West London (UWL) is ranked as 41st in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2026 and is the 1st London modern* university in The Times/The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. We are also ranked 2nd in London, 6th in England and 8th in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2026**. The UWL community is a diverse body of students and staff who work together to create an environment of success and achievement. We celebrate the diversity of our staff and promote our values in practice through our commitment to inclusivity, progression, and success.

* A modern university is a university established in 1992, or after. Excluding specialist providers.

** Calculated as the average of all questions, using registered populations.

The School

The School of Computing and Engineering (SCE) brings together expertise across computing, engineering and technology, with a strong focus on applied teaching, research and innovation. The School supports research that addresses real-world technological challenges and works with external partners to translate research outcomes into practical applications. This post will be based within the School's research environment, working with an academic project team on robotics, machine learning and cyber-security. The project is supported by the University's research and innovation infrastructure and has a clear focus on developing and validating practical technology. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of the VeriMotion project, an Innovate UK CyberASAP Phase 2 project focused on independent verification of surgical robot motion.

The Role 

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to contribute to the delivery of VeriMotion, an Innovate UK CyberASAP Phase 2 project developing an independent system for verifying that a surgical robot has physically moved as commanded.

Working within the School of Computing and Engineering and under academic supervision, you will contribute to the practical development and validation of a robotics monitoring demonstrator.

You will work across robotics software, sensor integration, machine learning and data analysis, including the development of methods for detecting abnormal robot behaviour.

You will also contribute to simulation and dataset development, technical testing, evaluation and documentation of the system.

The role is hands-on and laboratory-based, with opportunities to contribute to project reports, technical demonstrations and knowledge exchange activities.

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment until February 2027, based at the University of West London, with occasional travel to project events.

The Person

You will have a degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning or a related subject, together with practical experience relevant to the role.

You will have experience with Python and applied machine learning, particularly in relation to anomaly detection, behavioural analysis or time-series data.

Practical experience with robotics software and sensor-based systems, such as cameras, encoders or other sensing technologies, is essential.

You will have good analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to work independently, manage tasks against project milestones and contribute effectively within a small research team.

Experience with robotics simulation, such as NVIDIA Isaac or Gazebo, and awareness of commercial or regulatory considerations in health technology would be desirable.

How to Apply 

To apply click on ‘Apply Online’ and fill out the application form. Further information about the application process can be found here: https://jobs.uwl.ac.uk/display.aspx?id=1253&pid=0

Please email [email protected]   if you need any assistance with the application process.

Interviews are expected to be held in the week commencing  14 September 2026.

For informal enquiries about the position, please contact Nathan Cui, Lecturer in Electronic and Robotics Engineering, at [email protected] .

Additional Information 

Read more about working at the University of West London at https://www.uwl.ac.uk/about-us/how-university-works/why-work-uwl

Our department/school is under-represented in terms of staff from minority ethnic backgrounds, of LGBT+ identities, and with disabilities. UWL is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter, and is a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly those mentioned above to increase diversity in our workforce.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Please be advised that it is expected that appointment within a grade will normally be at the minimum point.

This position does not meet the University criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

We will intermittently review the applications as part of this open advert, therefore if successful, you will be shortlisted and contacted at any time. 

The University of West London reserves the right to close the role prior to this date should a suitable applicant be found.