Research Associate (Dexterous Soft Robotic Manipulators) (KP13160)

University of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Research Associate in Bath to work on a funded project involving soft robotics. The role focuses on developing analytical frameworks and model-based approaches. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD and have experience in robotics. This is a full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package, including staff discounts, a pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Free counselling services

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Staff discount at Team Bath gym

Generous annual leave allowance

Free entry to the Holburne Museum

Qualifications

• PhD degree in a subject area of direct relevance to the project.
• Experience in modelling, design, control, or prototyping of robotic components and systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Self-motivated with excellent communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop model and learning based approaches for modelling soft robotic manipulators.
• Develop analytical frameworks for understanding dexterous soft robotic manipulators.
• Perform framework integration and experimental validations.
• Collaborate with co-designers in the ARIA group.

Skills

Modeling

Robotics design

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

PhD degree in a relevant field

Job description

We are looking for a Research Associate to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering to work on an exciting new ARIA‑funded project dealing with emerging technologies of soft robotics. This new technology utilises flexible and compliant materials in its design to translate fundamental biological principles into new engineering rules, combining life‑like components into structures that create robotic systems that perform much like natural systems.

The ARIA‑funded research project (https://www.aria.org.uk/opportunity-spaces/smarter-robot-bodies/robot-dexterity/meet-the-creators) aims to create a new analytical framework involving model‑ and learning‑based approaches and their subsequent integration, opening new horizons in understanding the fundamental characteristics, dynamics, and internal physical interactions of soft robotic manipulators that we have created but are yet to fully understand their behaviour. The new knowledge generated and the research outcomes will lead to the creation and exploitation of next‑generation intelligent and dexterous soft manipulators to allow innovation and growth to maximise their economic and societal benefits.

Responsibilities

• Develop model and learning based approaches for modelling soft robotic manipulators and systems.
• Develop the analytical framework for modelling, understanding, and developing dexterous soft robotic manipulators.
• Perform framework integration and experimental validations.
• Collaborate with the co‑designers in the ARIA group.

You will be working with an interdisciplinary research team and collaborating with ARIA creators and partners. You’ll be responsible for planning and conducting research activities and are expected to take an active role in the laboratory.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in a subject area of direct relevance to the project.
• Experience in modelling, design, control, or prototyping of robotic components and systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Self‑motivated with excellent communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a team and present your work to diverse audiences.

This role is offered on a full‑time (36.5 hours per week) fixed‑term basis until June 2028. We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you.

Benefits

• Free counselling services through Health Assured.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym.
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees.
• Staff discount on language courses.
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes.
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days.
• Wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more.
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath.
• Local discounts and more.
• A family‑friendly workplace.
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce.
• Relocation allowance.
• Visa reimbursement and interest‑free loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses.

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work, as well as following us on X and LinkedIn.