Research Assistant or Associate in soft robotic endoscopes

About the role:

This EPSRC-funded project aims to transform early diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers through the development of advanced flexible endoscopic technologies. The project will combine a soft robotic endoscope with a miniature surgical-laser probe and a high-performance tissue-analysis device. In this role, you will contribute to the design and optimisation of the soft robotic endoscope by applying advanced mechanical testing and modelling methods, with a particular focus on developing functional materials for actuation, sensing, and friction control.

What you would be doing:

• Conduct research in mechanical and biomedical engineering, multiphysics modelling, and soft matter mechanics.
• Lead elements of project management and/or supervise multidisciplinary research teams.
• Characterise the multiphysics properties of functional hydrogels and develop computational models to predict and enhance the performance of hydrogel-based materials for integration within the soft robotic endoscope.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of experimental and modelling outcomes and prepare technical reports for project sponsors.
• Produce high-quality publications and contribute to the preparation of research funding proposals.
• Provide supervision and guidance to undergraduate and postgraduate research students as required.

What we are looking for:

• You must hold or be close to completing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Materials, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
• You must have strong research experience in fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, biomechanics, multiscale and multiphysics modelling, and biophysical experiments.
• Having working experiences with the sponsors, clinicians, patients, academic and industrial partners is essential.
• Knowledge of fluid and solid mechanics, transport mechanisms, soft tissues and soft functional materials is essential.
• You must have knowledge of theory and computation, as well as numerical methods, related to the modelling of fluid flow in soft porous media.
• A good publishing track record in relevant and refereed journals is essential.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to work in a vibrant and highly multidisciplinary group and work with world-leading scientists and engineers
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 38 days off a year)

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