Research Associate in Tactile Robotics

The role

This role will be based at the University of Bristol’s School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, as part of a joint project with the National Composites Centre (NCC).

The project as a whole will investigate “Autonomous Real-Time Composite Quality Assurance via Neuromorphic Tactile Sensing”.

We are looking for a skilled and motivated individual with experience in robotics and AI ideally with knowledge of artificial sensors and neural networks. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at Bristol Robotics Laboratory, the largest centre for multidisciplinary robotics research in the UK. 

The role would involve optimizing an artificial touch sensor for use in detecting defects during composite layup, as well as developing algorithms and visualization tools to demonstrate its performance in an industrial setting.

You will be part of a team comprising Dr. Benjamin Ward-Cherrier and PhD student Ao Li at the University of Bristol, as well as a research engineer and project manager at the NCC.

What will you be doing?

As part of this role, you will be expected to create a demonstration of automated composite layup defect detection with an artificial tactile sensor.

The role will involve optimizing the design of an existing artificial tactile sensor for the specific task of composite layup defect detection. You will develop algorithms for the identification and description of defects based on artificial neural networks. Finally, you will also develop any code needed to run the demonstration and visualise results in real-time on a robotic arm platform, working with the team to ensure the final demonstration is a success.

You should apply if

You should apply if you are:

• A self-motivated individual with experience in Robotics and AI
• Interested in industrial applications for robotics.
• A PhD holder (or working towards one) in an Engineering/Robotics related discipline
• Able to work independently and under pressure
• A good team player
• A strong communicator, both in oral and written form

Additional information

For informal queries please contact: Dr Benjamin Ward-Cherrier, Senior Lecturer, via email: b.ward-cherrier@bristol.ac.uk

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/

Contract type: Open-ended (fixed funding for 1 year)

Work pattern: Part-time/15 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 05/07/2026

The interviews are anticipated to take place week commencing 13th July 2026

Our strategy and mission 

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

Advert information