Postdoctoral Research Associate in Industrial Robotics / Mechatronics Engineering - Grade 7/8

The opportunity

The University of Liverpool is a key partner in a £14 million initiative (https://tinyurl.com/yc5z768m) to develop a sustainable, next-generation manufacturing facility, using robotics, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven technologies.

This is a multidisciplinary collaborative project supervised by Dr John Ward, Professor. Andy Cooper FRS, and Dr Gabriella Pizzuto. This PDRA position will focus on advancing the robotics and automation capabilities of the Mobile Robotic Process Chemist platform – a fully automated, modular system that integrates synthesis, work-up, and analysis for late-stage process chemistry (10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-bsfvz).

You will have the opportunity to design and build next-generation hardware modules that push the boundaries of automated chemistry. You will take prototypes from concept to fully functional, continuously operating systems, refining each component to ensure chemical compatibility, reliability, and multi-day automation readiness. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a pioneering platform that could transform process-scale chemistry in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry, combining hands-on engineering with cutting-edge laboratory automation in a highly collaborative research environment.

About you
You will have a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant area or field related to this project (Computer Science, Robotics, Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc.). You will have a strong background in robotics, mechatronics, or automation engineering, with experience in developing and deploying robotic systems, ideally including mobile manipulators. You will be proficient in software development (Java, Python, C++), with object-oriented programming and software engineering practices. You will have hands-on experience building or modifying equipment and working effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Experience with Linux, ROS/ROS2, electronics and sensor integration, algorithm design, and laboratory automation is desirable.

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.

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.

Closing Date: 08 February 2026 23:30

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

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