Research Assistant in the Design and Development of an Autonomous Manufacturing Platform

Do you have an enthusiasm in fabricating mechatronics systems? Are you looking for a new and exciting challenge as part of a world class advanced manufacturing and robotics team? Do you want to design and create autonomous manufacturing platforms that will change our lives? 

This is your opportunity to make a tangible impact within the field of manufacturing and robotics while collaborating with a team of brilliant minds in a research environment. In this role you will be involved in developing a fully integrated manufacturing capability for the end-to-end autonomous fabrication of robotics and autonomous system by developing and integrating advances in hybrid manufacturing, machine control, inspection and automation.

You will work across two world-leading research groups, the advanced manufacturing laboratory and the Real Robotics laboratory, at the University of Leeds. Between these two research groups they have research projects totalling more than £30m. The Advanced Manufacturing laboratory comprises a team that specialise in constructing digital manufacturing systems and developing new fabrication processes housed within a dedicated 140m2 state-of-the-art research facility. The Real Robotics research includes robotic manufacturing and manufacturing of robots including world class robot fabrication facilities, and robotic systems to inspect and repair city infrastructure.  Current major externally funded projects include Pipebots, Trustworthy Autonomous System Verifiability Node, and the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute (the AMP Institute). 

In this role you will support the design and development of mechanical systems, electronics and sensors for creating a robotic autonomous manufacturing platform. Duties will involve researching sensors integration, 3D CAD design, assembly of parts, testing and evaluation of the autonomous systems in a production simulation setting. Furthermore, there is a need to conduct some Python programming and develop bespoke toolpaths to control the machine. Holding an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics or a related discipline; you will have experience in the programming, designing, construction and testing of advanced hardware platforms for smart systems such as robotics.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Robert Kay, School of Mechanical Engineering

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2139 or email: R.W.Kay@leeds.ac.uk 

Please note that due to Home Office visa requirements, this role may only be suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants if they are eligible for salary concessions. For more information, please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. 

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent.

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Candidate Brief (PDF)

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