Research Associate (Dexterous Soft Robotic Manipulators)

About the role

We are looking for a Research Associate to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering to work on an exciting new ARIA-funded project dealing with emerging technologies of soft robotics. This new technology utilises flexible and compliant materials in its design to translate fundamental biological principles into new engineering rules, combining life-like components into structures that create robotic systems that perform much like natural systems.

This ARIA-funded research project (https://www.aria.org.uk/opportunity-spaces/smarter-robot-bodies/robot-dexterity/meet-the-creators) aims to create a new analytical framework involving model- and learning-based approaches and their subsequent integration, opening new horizons in understanding the fundamental characteristics, dynamics, and internal physical interactions of soft robotic manipulators that we have created but are yet to fully understand their behaviour. The new knowledge generated and the research outcomes will lead to the creation and exploitation of next-generation intelligent and dexterous soft manipulators to allow innovation and growth to maximise their economic and societal benefits.

The Research Associate will be responsible for delivering research on topics, including:

• Develop model and learning based approaches for modelling soft robotic manipulators and systems
• Develop the analytical framework for modelling, understanding, and developing dexterous soft robotic manipulators.
• Framework integration and experimental validations.
• Collaboration with the co-designers in the ARIA group.
• Planning and conducting research activities and are expected to take an active role in the laboratory.

To help us understand how the soft manipulators we build behave during motion, and develop effective analytical framework for modelling, predicting, controlling, and understanding these soft robotic systems This role will suit you if you

• Hold a PhD degree in a subject area of direct relevance to the project.
• Have previous experience in one or more of the following: modelling, design, control or prototyping of robotic components and systems.
• Have excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skill

Further Information

This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis until June 2028 For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Min Pan (Professor, Mechanical Engineering) on mp351@bath.ac.uk A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

What we can offer you:

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A family-friendly workplace
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

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