Research Assistant OR Postdoctoral Research Associate on Precision Robotic Manipulation

About the Role

Applications are invited for a part-time Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate position within the Centre for Advanced Robotics (ARQ), School of Engineering and Material Sciences (SEMS) at Queen Mary University of London. The project is funded by Innovate UK and will be supervised by Dr. Ketao Zhang. It will investigate precision manipulation and perception system to enable growers to perform tasks more efficiently and accurately, reducing labour costs and reliance on seasonal labour.

The post holder will be responsible for research activities and the development of robotic systems for precision manipulation, as well as working closely with project collaborators. You will perform research and development in robotic manipulation, specialising in advanced tactile sensing technologies to be integrated with robotic manipulation and developing appropriate control algorithms to enable dextrous and precision manipulation of high-value horticultural crops such as grapes, berries, and other fruits.

About You

PDRA applicants should have a PhD or be close to completion (or equivalent) in Engineering or a related discipline for appointment at the Research Associate Level. PhD for Research Assistant Level is desirable.

Applicants must have a strong research track record in Robotics, Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering, preferably with relevant experience in robotic manipulation and applications. Significant experience in robot design, modelling and control is required, a familiarity with tactile sensing and mobile manipulation. The successful candidate will also closely work with and supervise PhD and MSc students, and actively disseminate key research findings through publications.

About the School

SEMS is a large School with 108 academics, more than 250 PhD students and over 2500 undergraduate students. The expertise of the School is readily available for this project. You can find out more about us by visiting: https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, and flexible working arrangements.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.