Research Associate for Smart Robotic Swabbing System

TN United Kingdom; Whitehaven; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative university is seeking a Research Associate to work on the Smart Robotic Swabbing System project in Whitehaven. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge robotics for nuclear environments, focusing on developing autonomous swabbing systems. You will engage in designing motion planning algorithms, conducting user studies, and integrating hardware and software components. Join a dynamic team at a state-of-the-art facility near the scenic Lake District, where your contributions will significantly impact the field of nuclear robotics. Enjoy a supportive work environment with generous benefits, including a market-leading pension scheme and health services.

Benefits

Market-leading pension scheme

Health and wellbeing services

Generous annual leave entitlement

Paid leave during Christmas closure

Discounts at major retailers

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and deploying mobile robots.
• Strong skills in hardware and software integration.

Responsibilities

• Develop a modular swabbing puck with tactile sensors.
• Conduct efficacy user studies and create control algorithms.

Skills

Robotic System Development

Programming

Hardware Integration

Software Integration

Motion Planning Algorithms

Education

PhD in Robotics or related field

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Robotics Software

Testing Equipment

Job description

Research Associate for Smart Robotic Swabbing System, Whitehaven

The University of Manchester is inviting applications for a Research Associate position at the RAICo One Facility in Whitehaven, UK. RAICo One is a state-of-the-art robotics lab located near the Lake District National Park, in West Cumbria. The university's Robotics for Extreme Environments Group specializes in nuclear field robotics and has deployed robots in nuclear facilities and extreme environments globally.

This role involves working on the Smart Robotic Swabbing System for Nuclear Environment Characterisation (SRSS-NEC) project. The project integrates various technologies to improve manual swabbing for nuclear environment characterization through robotics. Responsibilities include developing a modular swabbing puck with tactile sensors, acquiring sensory feedback, and working towards autonomous swabbing by designing motion planning and control algorithms.

Your main duties will be to develop a robotic system, conduct efficacy user studies, and create automatic control algorithms. Candidates should have experience in developing, programming, testing, and deploying mobile robots, with strong skills in hardware and software integration. The ability to work independently, produce high-quality results, and communicate effectively with team members and industrial partners is essential.

Further details on responsibilities and criteria are available in the attached ‘Further Particulars’ document.

What you will get in return:

• Market-leading pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing services including Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Paid leave during Christmas closure
• Discounts at major retailers