Research Associate for Computational Robotics

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK is seeking a post-doctoral research associate to work on optimising toolpaths for robot-assisted additive manufacturing. The role requires a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and strong skills in C++ programming and computational geometry. The successful candidate will develop algorithms while considering manufacturing constraints. Exceptional benefits such as a market-leading pension scheme and generous leave entitlements are offered. The position supports hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Market leading pension scheme

Employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional annual leave entitlement

Paid closure over Christmas

Local and national discounts

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Strong research record in computational geometry, digital manufacturing, intelligent mechatronics, or robotics.
• Excellent skills in C++ programming and mathematical formulation.

Responsibilities

• Develop new computational algorithms for optimising structure and toolpaths.
• Incorporate manufacturing constraints in the algorithms.

Skills

C++ programming

Mathematical formulation

Computational geometry

Digital manufacturing

Intelligent mechatronics

Robotics

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

This is a research project taken in the Digital Manufacturing Lab led by Prof. Charlie Wang. The project aims to design a computational kernel to effectively generate optimised structure and toolpaths for robot‑assisted additive manufacturing with dynamically changed material accumulation directions. This research will be conducted in the School of Engineering at the University of Manchester, and is funded by the University of Manchester and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The role of the post‑doctoral research associate is to engage in developing new computational algorithms and formulations for generating optimised structure and toolpaths while incorporating the manufacturing constraints. Candidate should have a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering and a strong research record in computational geometry, digital manufacturing, intelligent mechatronics, or robotics. Excellent skills in C++ programming and mathematical formulation are expected.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.