Postdoctoral Research Associate - Grade 7

This position is for a Postdoctoral Research Associate on the EPSRC New Investigator Award ‘Accelerating Laboratory Automation Through Learning Tool Morphology For Robotic Chemists’, a project between University of Liverpool (Computer Science and Chemistry), VU Amsterdam (Dr. Kevin Luck https://luck-robotics.github.io/), Royce Institute (https://www.royce.ac.uk/) and Unilever, funded by UKRI

Chemistry labs are full of tools designed for human dexterity, which creates a major obstacle for robotic chemists. This project tackles that challenge by ‘fundamentally rethinking tool design’. We will co-design new tools and robot behaviours, allowing us to unlock advanced capabilities for autonomous robotic chemists in human-centric labs.

We are looking for an individual with strong research skills able to conduct multidisciplinary research around robot learning for autonomous robotic chemists, with a background of excellent research outputs across Robotics and Machine Learning, ideally with a background in robot manipulation.

This project aims to develop a body of cross-cutting techniques applicable across the field of robotics and scientific discovery, and we are therefore seeking candidates who show a willingness and aptitude for collaborating closely with the wider research team which includes chemists, engineers, industrial stakeholders and other major grants/hubs (EPSRC AI Hub in Chemistry (AIchemy) and Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design).  The post is available on a fixed term basis for up to 3 years from 1 October 2025.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Closing Date: 24 October 2025 23:30

For full details and to apply online, please click on the apply button above.

Advert information