Research Assistant on Robotics and Intelligent Sensing

About the Role
Applications are invited for a part-time Research Assistant position within the Centre for Advanced Robotics (ARQ), School of Engineering and Material Sciences (SEMS) at Queen Mary University of London. The project is funded by Innovate UK and will be supervised by Dr. Ketao Zhang. It will investigate precision manipulation and perception systems to enable growers to perform tasks more efficiently and accurately, reducing labour costs and reliance on seasonal workers.

The post holder will be responsible for research activities and the development of robotic manipulators and end-effectors with integrated sensing capability for precision manipulation, as well as working closely with project collaborators. You will conduct research and development in robotic manipulation, focusing on advanced sensing technologies for integration with robotic end-effectors. This will involve developing appropriate control algorithms to enable dextrous and precise manipulation of high-value horticultural crops, such as grapes, berries, and other fruits.

About You
Applicants must have a strong research track record in Robotics, Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering, preferably with relevant experience in robotic manipulation and applications. Significant experience in robot design, modelling and control is required, as well as familiarity with advanced sensing and mobile manipulation. The successful candidate will also closely work with and supervise student projects, and actively disseminate key research findings through publications.

About the School
This post is within the School of Engineering and Materials Science, a large School with 120 academics and 70 postdoctoral research staff. There are around 1371 undergraduate and postgraduate students and 233 PhD students. These are supported by an administrative and technical staff team of 56. The staff and student body are international in make-up. 

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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