Research Associate in Robotics

Job reference: SAE-031468
Salary: 37,694-£46,049
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Manchester
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 24/06/2026
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 12 months
School/Directorate: School of Engineering

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate in Robotics. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research in whole‑body modelling and control of mobile manipulators for inspection and maintenance in demanding, cluttered and confined environments. You will work within a dynamic and inclusive research environment as part of the Centre for Robotic Autonomy in Demanding and Long‑lasting Environments (CRADLE).

CRADLE is a major partnership between the University of Manchester, Amentum, the Manchester Centre for Robotics and AI, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The Centre’s vision is to deliver transformational robotics and autonomous systems technologies for sectors including energy, nuclear, space and urban infrastructure.

You will be responsible for:

• Developing advanced whole‑body modelling and control techniques for mobile manipulators
• Applying mathematical and control methods to real‑world robotic systems operating in challenging environments
• Collaborating with academic colleagues, industrial partners and other work packages to integrate research outputs into larger robotic systems
• Contributing to field trials, technology transfer activities and industry engagement
• Disseminating research through high‑quality publications, reports and presentations, and mentoring junior researchers

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria :

• A PhD in Robotics or a closely related discipline
• Strong mathematical background with expertise in whole‑body control of mobile manipulators
• Proven research experience in advanced control techniques (e.g. constrained or task‑space control)
• Strong programming skills in C++, Python and MATLAB, with experience using ROS
• Excellent communication, organisational and collaborative working skills

Desirable Criteria :

• Experience deploying and testing robotic systems in real or representative environments
• Experience using Git for version control and documenting software
• Experience working with common robotic sensors such as RGB‑D cameras, IMUs or LiDAR
• Experience collaborating with industry partners or contributing to technology transfer

This role is subject to UK security clearance, and applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of clearance.

We value transferable skills, creativity and collaborative research practice as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Access to world‑class robotics facilities and extensive professional development support

For more information, please see
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/

You can also find information on Flexible and Hybrid working here:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working/ 

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community.

Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905 

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Bruno Adorno
Email Address: bruno.adorno@manchester.ac.uk 

General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk 

Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home 

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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