Research Associate in Robotics and Precision Assembly

Contract: Full time (1FTE), fixed term 12.5 months

Closing date: Midnight on 20th March 2024

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry.

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology.

Job Summary

An immediate opportunity is available at the Research Associate level to work on smart precision assembly system, as part of a four-year project “A multiscale digital twin-driven smart manufacturing system for high value-added products” supported by EPSRC.

Detailed Description

Based on an assembly system developed in EPSRC project EP/K018345/1, this project presents a unique opportunity for developing a highly innovative smart precision assembly system with high efficiency using AI-based approach and virtual commissioning in digital twin.

The Research Associate would be responsible for the design/improvement, implementation, integration, and test of an innovative smart precision assembly system to be integrated with an ultra-precision manufacturing system.

Key duties and responsibilities

The post holder is required to:

• Work closely with the project supervisor and the project team to ensure that tasks of the project are carried out in a timely and effective way.
• Report verbally and in writing on all aspects of work undertaken as required by the project supervisor. 
• Take part in project meetings and make presentations of the work done as required by the supervisor. 
• Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media 
• Develop as an independent investigator in a specific area of research. 
• Continue to update personal knowledge and to develop skills within own specialist research area. 
• Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research. 
• Ensure confidentiality on all matters and information obtained during employment and respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means in line with the Data Protection Act

Essential criteria

Applicants must have:

• Applicants should hold a PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related subject (or a thesis submitted by the start date of the post) 
• Experience in developing robots or other mechatronic systems.
• Experience with Artificial Intelligence/Machine learning and Robotics applied to research in a relevant discipline. 
• Skills in sensor-based control 
• Programming skills using at least one of Python/C++/Matlab 
• Knowledge of robotic kinematics 
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative. 
• Evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility 
• Must be able to work as part of a team at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other universities.

For all criteria, further details and how to apply: enzj.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/3621/?utm_medium=jobshare

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm  and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers disc.hw.ac.uk .