Research Associate - Formal Methods for Autonomous Robotics

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research university in Manchester seeks a strong researcher for its CRADLE initiative focused on autonomous robotics. Candidates should have expertise in formal methods related to safety, ethics, and security in robots. This role involves collaboration within a multidisciplinary team and contributes to groundbreaking research in the field.

Benefits

Market-leading pension scheme

Health and wellbeing services

Generous annual leave

Paid closure over Christmas

Discounts at major retailers

Qualifications

• Strong researcher with expertise in formal methods.
• Experience with verification related to ethics and privacy.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the joint research programme.
• Undertake research within the Autonomy and Verification Network.

Skills

Expertise in formal methods for autonomous robotic systems

Knowledge of safety and security issues in autonomous robots

Experience in human-robot interaction

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

This position involves research within CRADLE, the Centre for Robotic Autonomy in Demanding and Long-lasting Environments, a partnership between Amentum, the University of Manchester's Centre for Robotics and AI, and UKRI. CRADLE focuses on providing flexible, verifiable architectures for the development and deployment of trustworthy autonomous robotics.

We seek a strong researcher with expertise in formal methods for autonomous robotic systems, particularly in formal requirements and verification related to safety, ethics, privacy, self-awareness, or security issues in autonomous robots and human-robot teams.

The candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including Assurance, Robotics, and Human-Robot Interaction researchers, as well as professional engineers from Amentum. The role involves contributing to the joint research programme and undertaking research within the Autonomy and Verification Network.

CRADLE links:

• CRADLE
• Centre for Robotics and AI
• Amentum
• UK Research and Innovation
• Autonomy and Verification Network

Benefits include:

• Market-leading pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing services, including Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave and bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over Christmas
• Discounts at major retailers

We support an inclusive, flexible working environment, including hybrid arrangements. We do not accept applications via recruitment agencies. For enquiries, contact Prof. Michael Fisher or Dr. Louise Dennis at the provided emails. For support, visit the link provided. The vacancy closes at midnight on the specified date. Further details are available in the person specification document. We are unable to provide individual feedback on applications.