Research Associate in Modelling Soft Robots

About the vacancy:

We are seeking a Research Associate on a fixed term basis who would be capable of modelling the mechanics of a soft bodied worm-like robot and optimising its shape and mechanics using evolutionary algorithms.

The successful candidate will join the Unconventional Computing Laboratory, UWE, Bristol, to participate in the EC Horizon Europe funded project BIOMELD: Modelling and Evolution of Biohybrid Machines (cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101070328). Bio-hybrid machines (BHMs) combine living cell actuators with artificial materials in order to achieve greater autonomy, flexibility, and energy efficiency compared to standard robots.

To push the manufacturing of BHMs towards bio-intelligent paradigm and model-based engineering, we propose to develop a self-monitoring and self-controlling manufacturing pipeline of BHMs. To realise such a pipeline, we would need to (i) Develop a modelling and simulation framework that will streamline the processes of design, quoting, manufacturing, verification, and reporting, thus significantly reducing error-prone manual steps.

Also, given that actuators in BHMs are living cells, which greatly expands the parameter space, we believe that the development of BHMs would greatly benefit from AI-guided modelling process to optimise search for the most efficient design; (ii) To experimentally test, optimise, and verify the platform by developing a proof-of-principle reconfigurable modular catheter BHM; (iii) To group all necessary manufacturing equipment into an integrated bio-intelligent manufacturing cell (BIMC) and demonstrate its adaptable operation. As a proof-of-principle, we will use BHM catheter as it is an innovative medical device that would be able to arrive into hard-to-reach regions of the human body and release drugs there.

The job involves the creation of soft robot morphologies in the soft-body physics, evolving the morphologies to reach their optimal shape, implementing mutation, evolution and selection, machine-learning-based optimization.

The Unconventional Computing Laboratory (UWE, Bristol) was founded by Prof Andy Adamatzky in 2001 as a response to an urgent need to develop computers for the next century. We employ complex dynamics in physical, chemical and biological media to design novel computational techniques, architectures and working prototypes of non-linear media based computers. The research is based on an interdisciplinary cooperation in modelling and experimental verification of novel principles of information processing and analysis in distributed large-scale chemical and physical systems. We apply these novel principles to the design of working prototypes of massively parallel computing devices whose intrinsic functions exploit the nontrivial dynamics of nonlinear systems.

This post is based at our lively Frenchay campus where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both our staff and students access to everything they need to succeed – £300m has been invested recently on new state-of-the-art learning spaces and accommodation while we continue to develop incredible new facilities to enhance our offer even further.

Frenchay campus has excellent transport links; as well as being located near the motorway network we are within walking distance of two train stations, our bus terminus connects us to the local bus and metrobus network and we also have a range of cycling and changing facilities.

Why UWE Bristol?

We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 32,000 students, 250,000 alumni and 4,000 staff from across the globe. We are both globally connected and regionally embedded, with a strong network of employer and partner connections.

We have a lot to be proud of at UWE, our achievements include scoring above sector average for student satisfaction, we are ranked 36^th in The Guardian Best UK Universities 2022 and 39^th in the latest Times Higher Education 'Table of Tables'.

We are an ambitious and values led university. We're focused on solving future global challenges through outstanding learning, world-leading research and a culture of enterprise and we are looking for people who share our core values to help us achieve those aims. 

With inclusivity as a core value, UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community. We support and celebrate the diversity of our staff and students as a key driver for innovation and success, promoting pathways and achievements to inspire and generate confidence and ambition.

In addition to progressive pay rates, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including:

• a generous holiday allowance of 27 days pro rata if part time
• up to 12.5 bank holiday/closure days per year
• hybrid working
• excellent defined benefit pension schemes
• access to employee assistance programme
• ongoing learning and development opportunities
• family friendly policies and wellbeing initiatives
• onsite nursery at our Frenchay Campus.
• Retail savings via the Wider Wallet scheme
• option to participate in the cycle to work scheme

We also offer a wide variety of in-house training courses and development programmes and provide a tailored professional programme to support our academic colleagues in delivering the highest in professional teaching standards.

Add your individuality to ours

Proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we’re always on the lookout for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing staff community of over 4,000 individuals and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you’ll thrive. Add your individuality to ours to help set us apart.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, Multiple Heritage or Other Minority Ethnic and female candidates as we are currently under-represented in these areas within UWE Bristol however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.

Further information

If you would like an informal discussion, please contact Prof Andy Adamatzky on email: andrew.adamatzky@uwe.ac.uk   or Dr Antisthenis Tsompanas at antisthenis.tsompanas@uwe.ac.uk

This is a fixed-term post from 1^st March until 30^th October 2023, and is full-time working on a 100% contract.

This post is available on a job share basis for applicants wishing to work part time.

UWE Bristol is a campus-based University and it is important for our success and the delivery of an outstanding experience for our students that our campuses are dynamic and vibrant places to learn and spend time. This role is therefore campus based with the opportunity for remote working.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. As we are unable to sponsor anyone requiring a visa for this role candidates must therefore be able to provide their own right to work in the UK.

Should you be shortlisted you will be asked to provide your right to work documents at your interview. Please refer to the Home Office Right to Work Checklist which provides details of which documents are acceptable.