About the role

We are looking for a Research Associate to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering to work on an exciting new ARIA-funded project addressing emerging technologies for soft robotics. This new technology uses flexible, compliant materials to translate basic biological principles into new engineering rules, integrating life-like components into structures that create robotic systems that perform much like natural systems.

This ARIA-funded research project (https://www.aria.org.uk/opportunity-spaces/smarter-robot-bodies/robot-dexterity/meet-the-creators) aims to create a new analytical framework that includes model-based and learning approaches and their subsequent integration, opening new horizons in understanding the fundamental properties, dynamics and internal physical interactions of soft robotic manipulators that we have created but whose behavior we do not yet fully understand. The new knowledge generated and research findings will create and exploit the next generation of intelligent and skilled soft manipulators to allow innovation and growth to maximize their economic and societal benefits.

The Research Associate will be responsible for providing high-quality research on topics, including:

• Develop model and learning-based methods for modeling soft robotic manipulators and systems
• Develop an analytical framework for modeling, understanding and developing soft robotic manipulators.
• Framework integration and experimental validation.
• Collaboration with designers participating in the ARIA Group.

To help us understand how the soft manipulators we build behave in motion, and develop an effective analytical framework for modeling, predicting, controlling and understanding these soft robotic systems

This role will suit you if you are

• Have a PhD in a subject area directly relevant to the project.
• You have previous experience in one or more of the following: modeling, design, control, or prototyping of robotic components and systems.
• Has excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills
• They are self-motivated and have excellent communication skills.

You will work with a multidisciplinary research team and collaborate with ARIA creators and partners. While responsible for planning and implementing research activities, he is expected to play an active role in the laboratory. You must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively as part of a team and present your work to diverse audiences.

More information

This role is offered on a full-time basis (36.5 hours per week) for a fixed term until June 2028

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Min Pan (Professor of Mechanical Engineering) at mp351@bath.ac.uk

An offer may be made at a lower grade (Grade 6) with a corresponding reduction in responsibilities and modification of the job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant is not found for the Grade 7 position. Applicants must be within six months of course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once they have achieved their PhD.

We consider ourselves a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different countries and have made a positive commitment to gender equality and intersectionality, receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our staff and students and we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds and communities, particularly from underrepresented groups, and value the positive impact it will have on the University. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff and community by enhancing our commitment to safer employment.

We are very proud to be a signatory of Armed Forces Charter. Certified Confident leader with disabilities; Autism friendly universitycommitted to Building confidence in people with disabilities and supporting employees with disabilities.

What we can offer you:

We are constantly expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us, and the following is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Free counseling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Employee discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Employee discount on language courses
• Generous employer pension plans
• Generous annual leave allowance with 5 additional discretionary days so you can enjoy a positive work-life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including apprenticeships, LinkedIn learning and more
• Free entry to the Holborn Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A Family-friendly workplace
• An excellent compensation package that recognizes the talents of our diverse workforce
• Transportation allowance
• Visa compensation and Interest-free loan To help with the cost of some immigration expenses

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