Smart Robotic Systems for Autonomous Inspection – Enhancing Data Collection and Analysis

The University of Manchester; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative partnership of leading UK universities is offering a unique studentship focused on Robotics and Autonomous Systems for Net Zero. This pioneering program aims to equip ambitious graduates with the skills necessary to tackle the challenges of decarbonizing the energy sector. Over the course of four years, students will transition from MSc studies to PhD research, contributing to groundbreaking projects that leverage robotics for inspection and maintenance in renewable energy. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of technology that supports sustainable energy solutions while developing a robust skill set in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Applicants should have a strong degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics.
• Evidence of programming experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on robot inspection for renewable energy infrastructure.
• Develop methods for autonomous inspection without human intervention.

Skills

Programming Experience

Engineering Knowledge

Computer Science Knowledge

Physics Knowledge

Mathematics Knowledge

Education

First or Upper Second-class Honours Degree

Job description

This studentship is offered by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero (RAINZ CDT) which is a partnership between three of the UKs leading universities (University of Manchester, University of Glasgow and University of Oxford).

Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) is an essential enabling technology for the Net Zero transition in the UK’s energy sector. However, significant technological and cultural barriers are limiting its effectiveness. Overcoming these barriers is a key target of this CDT. The focus of the CDT’s research projects will be how RAS can be used for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of new infrastructure in renewables (wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, hydrogen) and nuclear (fission and fusion), and to support the decarbonization of existing maintenance and decommissioning of assets.

We are seeking ambitious graduate scientists and engineers who are keen to acquire new skills and have a desire to help increase use of RAS to help decarbonise the energy sector. You will become a pioneer and leader in this increasingly important area of science and engineering.

RAINZ_CDT

Year 1: You will spend the first year of the CDT at the University of Manchester undertaking taught MSc studies and research training. You must achieve an average of 65% or higher in your MSc taught assessments to be considered for progression to the PhD studies.

Note: you will not graduate with an MSc. If you meet the progression criteria, you will transition directly onto the PhD.

Years 2 – 4: You will move to your host institute (University of Manchester, University of Glasgow, or University of Oxford) to undertake your PhD research, which will be complimented with a comprehensive cohort training and employability development programme.

About this Project

Year 1 MSc Course: MSc Robotics

Year 2 – 4 PhD Location: University of Manchester

Research Abstract: This project aims to address the challenges in robot inspection, which is one of the key applications in future robots. Often, as part of the inspection, robots collect various data, such as images, sounds, and tactile information. This project is to embed the intelligence into the robotics system. We expect the robot can conduct the inspection autonomously without human intervention. The student will conduct the following research activities with the chance of working with our industry partner.

1. Define how to measure quality in inspection settings
2. Define what actions are required from the robot to correct data of insufficient quality
3. Deploy in a simulator for initial confirmation
4. Deploy in a plant for testing

Eligibility

Applicants should have a First or strong Upper Second-class honours degree (2:1 with 65% average), or international equivalent, in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics with evidence of programming experience.

Funding

Funding for this RAINZ studentship is provided by EPSRC and an industrial partner. This project is subject to funding being confirmed by the industry partner. The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition will be paid at the home rate.

Funding for this RAINZ studentship is provided by EPSRC and Siemens Energy.

This project is subject to funding being confirmed by the industry partner.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Applications should be made through the RAINZ CDT website: www.rainz-cdt.ac.uk, where you can also find further information about the CDT. Informal enquiries can be made by emailing [e-mail].

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

The application deadline is 17:00, 11th July 2025. Applications received after this time will not be considered.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of RAINZ CDT, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We are dedicated to supporting work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate individual needs. Our selection process is free from bias, and we are committed to ensuring fair and equal opportunities for all applicants.