Research Fellow in Human-Robot Interaction

We are excited to offer a unique opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the cutting-edge field of robotics and assistive technology. This position is based within our dynamic Department at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, where groundbreaking research intersects with practical applications to create innovative solutions that enhance the lives of older adults.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will play a pivotal role in the "Socially Assistive Walker to Promote Health and Wellbeing in Older Adults" (SAW-Health) project. The SAW-Health project is driven by the goal of revolutionizing assistive technology for older adults. Our research focuses on developing a robotic system that empowers users by assisting in daily activities, promoting physical activity, and fostering social interaction. By joining our team, you will be at the forefront of groundbreaking research that directly impacts the quality of life of older adults. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop a functional prototype of the robotic system, conduct usability tests, and lead medium-term studies to assess user experience and acceptance.

About you:

You are an innovative researcher with an unwavering passion for pioneering advancements in the realm of robotics and assistive technology. Driven by a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults, you possess a unique blend of technical acumen, collaborative prowess, and an unyielding dedication to impactful research. You hold a PhD in Robotics, Human-Computer Interaction, Engineering, or a related field. Your proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, MATLAB and experience in ROS is a cornerstone of your skill set, as well your abilities to easily work with hardware such as sensing and actuation technologies for mobile wheeled robots.

This prowess empowers you to design and execute functional prototypes enriched software architecture finesse, and data processing ingenuity. You also have hands-on experience in conceiving and orchestrating usability tests and user studies with abilities in protocols, data collection, and analysis methodologies. Your innate ability to seamlessly collaborate with engineers, healthcare professionals, and project partners allows you to interdisciplinary collaborate with others. As a nimble problem-solver, you relish the challenge of independently identifying complexities, ingeniously proposing solutions, and adroitly adapting to the evolving landscape of project requirements.

Where is this role based?

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, while we continue to develop incredible new facilities to enhance our offer even further.

Further information

If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Prof/Dr. Carlos A. Cifuentes by email: carlos.cifuentes@uwe.ac.uk

This is a full-time, fixed-term post until 31 August 2025.  Interviews are planned for the 15th January 2024. 

We may be able to sponsor qualifying candidates for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. Please read our Skilled Worker Guidance to assess if you will be eligible to be sponsored under the criteria.

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

Advert information