Senior Technical Specialist (AI and Robotics)

The role

In this role you would directly support our students and staff to use specialist hardware and software for a range of research, innovation, knowledge exchange, student research projects and other practical teaching activities. You will facilitate the use of state-of-the-art technologies and research methods including:

• Use of AI methodologies and their applications to robotics
• Robot programming, including use of ROS and proprietary robot operating systems
• Experimental evaluation, including studies with human participants

A primary focus of the role will be to provide robotic platform support to researchers in the newly-formed Centre for Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CEAIR), within the School of Computing and Digital Technologies. To learn about some of the research being undertaken please see the following links: robotics research, research projects. CEAIR uses a range of robotic platforms, mainly centred around social interactions. These include platforms such as Care-o-bot, ARI, Furhat, Pepper and Temi social robot. You will provide vital support for research centre including contributing to externally funded projects, experimental design and implementation, software maintenance and the use of robotic platforms. You will help create and maintain software interfaces, tailored to the user’s needs, and ensure that robotic hardware is maintained in safe working order, liaising with manufacturers/engineers as required.

As Senior Technical Specialist, you would also provide line management for a small number of staff and, as part of the local management group(s), contribute more widely to the leadership and management of technical staff and facilities. You will be expected to work flexibly and to develop new skills as required to support team objectives and emerging research needs. You will be highly motivated and meticulous in your work, with a professional work ethic and ability to work both independently and collaboratively across team boundaries, sharing skills and expertise to ensure customer-focussed results. Our students and staff will benefit from your expertise as you work with other TORS staff to ensure that we are able to provide highly skilled support for activities such as self-directed learning and practical classes.

For further details of what the role entails, please see the Job Description section of this document via the appply button. 

The Team

The Technical Operations, Resources and Services (TORS) provides unified technical support across Sheffield Hallam University. The service supports face-to-face practical learning, research, innovation and knowledge exchange activities to a high standard, across a diverse range of disciplines, supported by having highly skilled technical staff. We are signatories to the Technician Commitment initiative and partner affiliates of the National Technician Development Centre.

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