Multi-collaborative scouting and mapping with a team of highly mobile robots

University of Oxford; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking partnership of leading UK universities is offering a unique PhD studentship focused on Robotics and Autonomous Systems for Net Zero. This innovative program emphasizes the development of AI-driven solutions for energy sector challenges, including inspection and maintenance of renewable infrastructures. Candidates will engage in interdisciplinary research, combining advanced robotics with real-time decision-making to address complex environmental challenges. This is an exciting opportunity for motivated graduate scientists and engineers to contribute to meaningful change in the energy landscape while gaining valuable skills and experience in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Strong academic background in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics.
• Evidence of programming experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on AI-based systems for robotics applications.
• Collaborate with peers on innovative projects in the energy sector.

Skills

Programming

Robotics

AI Algorithms

Mathematics

Data Analysis

Education

First or Upper Second-class Honours Degree

International Equivalent Degree

Job description

This studentship is offered by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero (RAINZ CDT) which is a partnership between three of the UKs leading universities (The University of Manchester,University of GlasgowandUniversity of Oxford).

Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) is an essential enabling technology for the Net Zero transition in the UK’s energy sector. However, significant technological and cultural barriers are limiting its effectiveness. Overcoming these barriers is a key target of this CDT.The focus of the CDT’s research projects will be how RAS can be used for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of new infrastructure in renewables (wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, hydrogen) and nuclear (fission and fusion), and to support the decarbonization of existing maintenance and decommissioning of assets.

We are seeking talented and motivated graduate scientists and engineers who are eager to learn new skills and have a desire to help increase use of RAS to help decarbonise the energy sector. Your work will help foster innovation and drive meaningful changein this increasingly important area of science and engineering.

RAINZ_CDT

Year 1:You will spend the first year of the CDT atTheUniversity of Manchesterundertaking taught MSc studies and research training.You must achieve an average of 65% or higher in your MSc taught assessments to be considered for progression to the PhD studies.

Note:you will not graduate with an MSc. If you meet the progression criteria, you will transition directly onto the PhD.

Years 2 – 4:You will move to your host institute (The University of Manchester, University of Glasgow, or University of Oxford) to undertake your PhD research, which will be complimented with a comprehensive cohort training and employability development programme.

About this Project

Year 1 MSc Course:MSc Robotics

Year 2 – 4 PhD Location:University of Oxford

Research Abstract:This PhD project will focus on developing an AI-based system for multi-collaborative scouting and mapping using a team of highly mobile legged or legged-wheeled robotic platforms. The research will investigate advanced algorithms for multi-robot coordination, dynamic path optimization, and collaborative exploration to enable efficient mapping of unknown environments. Emphasis will be placed on leveraging SatCom connectivity and heterogeneous sensor data and real-time decision-making to adapt to complex terrains and environmental challenges. By combining secure connectivity, mobility, adaptability, and collective intelligence, this work aims to create robust and scalable solutions for rapid area exploration, with applications in search-and-rescue, environmental monitoring, and planetary exploration.

Supervisor

Dr. Ioannis Havoutis is an Associate Professor in Engineering Science at the Oxford Robotics Institute, University of Oxford

Eligibility

Applicants should have a First or strong Upper Second-class honours degree (2:1 with 65% average), or international equivalent, in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics with evidence of programming experience.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Applications should be made through theRAINZ CDT website, where you can also find further information about the CDT. Informal enquiries can be made by [e-mail].

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate(if applicable)

The application deadline is17:00, 11th July 2025. Applications received after this time will not be considered.

EDI

Equality, diversity and inclusionis fundamental to the success of RAINZ CDT and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, neurodiversity, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, and transgender status.We also support applications from mature students who are returning from a career break or other roles.

We are dedicated to supporting work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate individual needs. Our selection process is free from bias, and we are committed to ensuring fair and equal opportunities for all applicants.