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

The growing field of 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 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 continuum robots across industrial applications. The opportunity for close collaboration with industry partners, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and NDA, further enhances the position's value. 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 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 good first degree in mechanical/ robotics/ mechatronics/ Control engineering or related disciplines, and a PhD degree (or about to obtain) in mechatronics/robotics or related field of mechanical engineering.

This full-time post is available from 1st June 2024, but late start could be agreed upon, and will offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 10 months. Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours per week). 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 address to Prof. Dragos Axinte, tel.: +44 (0)115 951 4117 or email: Xin.Dong@nottingham.ac.uk.
Please note that applications sent directly to this Email address will not be accepted. 

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