Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Artificial Muscles & Soft Actuator Technologies fo

University of Bristol Law School; Bristol; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job description

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to undertake fundamental and applied research and development towards technologies for artificial muscles, soft actuators, and wearable devices, including assistive clothing.

This role supports the University of Bristol and the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology in the £14 million EPSRC-funded project, The VIVO Hub for Enhanced Independent Living ( www.thevivohub.com ) led by Professor Jonathan Rossiter.

The VIVO Hub aims to create a user-guided intervention platform, integrating digital and robotic technologies to support older adults and people with disabilities in maintaining their mobility, physical health, and mental well-being at home.

What will you be doing?

• Undertake fundamental and applied research and development on technologies for artificial muscles, soft actuators, and wearable sensors within the Bristol Soft Robotics research group, under the supervision of the project investigators.
• Work with the multi-disciplinary team on the development of wearable assist technologies to help people live independently for longer.
• Conduct experiments, develop prototypes, and analyse data to advance research.
• Generate impactful research outputs, including high-quality publications and conference presentations.
• Develop demonstrator devices, with a potential to create patentable innovations that can be translated into real-world applications.
• Work with project partners, including end-users, healthcare professionals, and industrial partners on project activities.

You should apply if

• You have practical experience in developing physical technologies.
• You have a good track record of published research.
• You have knowledge of the state-of-the-art technologies and contexts of artificial muscles and soft actuators.
• You are able to learn and develop new soft actuation and sensor technologies rapidly.
• You are comfortable working on systems involving multiple disciplines including electrical, mechanical, and materials development.

Contract Information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding for 36 months
Work pattern: Full time
Grade: I / J
Salary: Grade I £38,249 - £44,128 per annum; Grade J £42,882 - £48,149 per annum
School/Unit: School of Engineering, Mathematics and Technology
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 27th April 2025.
Interviews are expected to take place on 13th May 2025.

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives - particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.