Research Associate/Fellow in Continuum (Snake) Robots (Fixed Term)

Location: Jubilee Campus

There has been an increasing interest in using continuum structures in robotic systems. Continuum structures are crucial in the systems that deal with uncertain and dynamic task environments, e.g., access to narrow space and grasping and manipulating unknown objects. The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre on Manufacturing and On-Wing (http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/utc) at the University of Nottingham focuses on developing continuum robots for locomotion and manipulation in challenging environments with leading industrial partners. We are looking for multiple talented candidates to join our team.  

Applicants of this post are invited to develop continuum robots for operations in narrow spaces, a unique opportunity enabling users to remove humans from danger, increase productivity and lower the associated cost of the inspection and repair tasks in high-value industrial facilities. In this role, you will be at the forefront of research that offers exciting scientific challenges and opportunities for innovation to improve the manipulations of continuum robots within aerospace, telecom, and medical fields. As a result, this position offers close collaborations with our industry partners (e.g., Rolls-Royce, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and NHS). Further, the opportunity to participate in teaching is available for those wishing to pursue an academic career.  

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 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 interested in this project's results and willing to collaborate on spin-put individual projects. 

Candidates should possess a degree in mechanical, robotics, mechatronics, control engineering or related disciplines, and a PhD degree (or near to completion) in mechatronics/robotics or related field of mechanical engineering. 

The post is offered on a full time (36.25 hours per week), fixed term contract, from 01 September 2024, but a late start could be agreed upon, for two years (24 months). Job share arrangements may be considered. 

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

Informal enquiries may be address to Prof. Dragos Axinte, tel.: +44 (0)115 951 4117 or email: dragos.axinte@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this Email address will not be accepted.

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.

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