Research Associate in Physical Intelligence

The University of Edinburgh; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Defined benefits pension scheme

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh is seeking a Research Associate to conduct cutting-edge research at the interface of soft sensing, robotics, machine learning and signal processing. The role is based in the School of Engineering / CSE and involves developing sensing and perception methods for embodied robotic systems, with extensive on-campus laboratory work.

You will join an interdisciplinary team and be encouraged to develop new research ideas arising from the ERC project, with a fixed-term

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in robotics, EE, ME, CS, biomedical engineering or closely related discipline.
• Strong research experience in soft/flexible sensors, robotics, machine learning, signal processing, or embodied/physical intelligence.
• Experience in developing and experimentally validating sensing, perception or learning methods on physical robotic or mechatronic systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication and collaborative working skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research at the interface of soft sensing, robotics, machine learning and signal processing to develop physical intelligence for next-generation soft and embodied robotic systems.
• Work within an interdisciplinary research team spanning sensing, robotics, electronics and AI and develop/lead new ideas arising from the ERC project.

Skills

Strong research experience

Robotics

Machine learning

Signal processing

Education

PhD in robotics or closely related field

PhD or near completion of PhD

Job description

Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum

School of Engineering / CSE

Full-Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: for up to 24 months

The Opportunity:

Where curiosity becomes impact

With roles from hospitality to research, there’s a career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. We can offer opportunities for you to develop in your career and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large.

We offer careers and roles in just about every area you can think of. Whether you are looking for entry-level, mid-career or roles at the top of your chosen specialism, we can offer you a career where you can flourish and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large. Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing their abilities and experiences to our organisation.

The University isn’t just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. Our people have helped create the modern world and are working on more ground-breaking technologies and practices. Join the University of Edinburgh and you’ll be making a difference to everything around you

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our students performance and wellbeing.

The successful candidate will conduct research at the interface of soft sensing, robotics, machine learning and signal processing, with the aim of developing physical intelligence for next-generation soft and embodied robotic systems. The research will involve developing sensing and perception methods that enable robots to understand their own body state and interactions with the physical environment, and integrating these capabilities into robotic platforms for extensive experimental validation.

The Research Associate will work within an interdisciplinary research team spanning sensing, robotics, electronics and artificial intelligence, and will be encouraged to develop and lead new research ideas arising from the ERC project.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A PhD, or near completion of a PhD, in robotics, electrical/electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, biomedical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong research experience in at least two of the following areas: soft/flexible sensors, robotics, machine learning, signal processing, or embodied/physical intelligence.
• Experience in developing and experimentally validating sensing, perception or learning methods on physical robotic or mechatronic systems.
• A strong track record of research appropriate to career stage, together with excellent problem-solving, communication and collaborative working skills.

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

• Professional development and subject matter expertise
• Leading-edge research
• Excellent benefits and support
• Contributing to the work and purpose of the University

This post is full time (35 hours per week). Due to the experimental nature of the research, the role will require regular on-campus laboratory work.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 5 October 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interview dates to be confirmed.