Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences 

Grade:Grade 6 (£29,605-£34,980) / Grade 7 (£36,023-£45,585) 

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (24 Months) 

Detailed Description 

The successful applicant will investigate the automation of processes used to optimise Complex Optical Systems using Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligent technologies.

Drawing upon the results and expertise developed within a major three year interdisciplinary UK Government funded project (EPSRC funded EP/V054497/1 “Developing Machine Learning-empowered Responsive Manufacture Of Industrial Laser Systems”) this project aims to create and demonstrating a robust, flexible, industrial system capable of carrying out alignment tasks autonomously. 

Laser systems are typically highly engineered, complex structures, containing precision components that must be positioned to sub-micron accuracy. Currently, the exact positioning and alignment of these optical components is typically a largely manual process carried out by highly skilled engineers using multi-step active alignment processes.

This post is part of a major project that is focused on automating such alignment processes with systems that exploit state-of-the-art robotics (i.e. mechatronic) that combine sensing and machine intelligence to create a step change in the speed and accuracy of the process. 

These processes will be driven by advanced optimisation and AI/ML approaches employing arrange techniques such as: transfer and reinforcement learning, supervised and unsupervised methods, and classical and multi-objective optimisation. Equally important to the focus on ML algorithms is the development of adaptive, possibly human-inspired, strategies for leaning complex muti-step alignment processes.

This is an integrated part of the on the project “Robotic Assembly and Maintenance” which, itself is part of the “Manipulation Challenge” of the “” (EPSRC funded EP/X025365/1) Prosperity Partnership between Heriot-Watt University, University of Edinburgh, and Leonardo UK. 

The project is in close collaboration with engineers from Leonardo and the National Robotarium (based at Heriot-Watt University), who will jointly execute some of the project tasks. 

It is expected that the successful applicant will have experience in programming/data processing, and will be willing to learn relevant machine learning approaches and optical system design. 

Research Environment 

They will be expected to work directly with, Dr Richard Carter, Prof M J Daniel Esser, Prof Mike Chantler, the Leonardo engineers involved in the project, as well as Prof Jonathan Corney from University of Edinburgh. The applicant will also work with PhD students and the other PDRAs of the Prosperity Partnership. 

The researcher will report on project progress and outcomes to the Prosperity Partnership Management Group, as well as participating in Knowledge Transfer Meetings and Workshops with a broad range of Leonardo personnel. Most of the project will be executed at the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, with some joint work also executed on the manufacturing site at Leonardo UK, Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a team. Good communication skills are essential.  Main tasks will involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; preparation of scientific papers; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; presentation of research at partnership workshops and meetings, as well as national and international conferences. Other tasks may include daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to experimental and theoretical design and procedure as part in a collaborative decision-making process, while taking responsibility for implementing experiments, theoretical models, and data analysis.  Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with external collaborators, and may be required to contribute to teaching (lab and tutorial demonstrations) in relevant taught courses within Physics, Engineering and/or Computer Science.  The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the public and preparation of experimental demonstrators for use in schools. 

Education, Qualifications & Experience

Essential Criteria 

This appointment is in partnership with Leonardo and will require being able to demonstrate eligibility for UK Security Clearance. Applicants should hold either a Masters or PhD level degree in a relevant area i.e. Theoretical Physics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or closely related subject.  Significance Experience of programming (e.g. Python, Matlab etc.) is essential.  Ability to articulate research work via written technical reports, academic publishing and by oral presentation.  Ability and willingness to learn new digital skills and capabilities appropriate to your role and how it evolves.  Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative with evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility. Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt in Edinburgh out with the specific project and more widely with the collaborators of the project. 

Desirable Criteria 

Understanding and experience in one or more additional areas relevant to the project:  Programming for data acquisition and control (e.g. LabVIEW, Arduino) Programming for optical modelling (Comsol, Matlab, Zemax etc.) Robotic/Mechatronic systems: design, programming, construction.  Laser system design: optical, mechanical, and thermal design applied to industrial/defence laser systems.  Experience in implementing manufacturing automation.  Experience in translating research to an industrial environment.  Experience of CAD software.  Experience of experimental design and integration.  Experience working as part of a highly interdisciplinary team. Understand and adhere to information security practices particularly as it relates to personal and commercially sensitive information.  Energy and enthusiasm for the project. 

About our Team 

Heriot-Watt University is leading the development of high-power lasers, with potential applications in industrial material processing and defence. Also, Heriot-Watt is pioneering the development of laser material processing applications and successfully transferring these to industry. 

The Laser Device Physics & Engineering group under the lead of Prof Esser drives the research and development of new laser sources in the near-infrared and mid-IR, demonstrating and exploiting new high-brightness diode laser technologies, novel solid-state laser crystals, and new manufacturing and assembly methods applied to laser system design and assembly.

The Strategic Futures Laboratory, led by Prof Mike Chantler, specialises in developing and deploying human-centred AI tools for decision support. It has 20 years’ experience in researching explainable and useable AI, focussing on interactive graphical explanation and visualisation, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and state of the art machine learning techniques ranging from classical Bayesian approaches to neural net transformer systems. 

Leonardo is the UK’s largest manufacturer of the sensors and electronic systems which sit under the skin of the world’s most advanced aircraft, effectively acting as their brains, senses, and nervous systems. Protecting pilots, alerting air crews to threats, and providing unrivalled situational awareness, our world-class engineering and technology informs decision-making and helps ensure that those in harm’s way come home safely. The Edinburgh site is home to Leonardo’s world-leading laser capability, with their engineers meeting around 80% of the global demand for high-energy military lasers. 

Travel 

Local travel to technical and review meetings with academic and industry partners on their sites in Edinburgh. Regular travel between the partners within Edinburgh (University of Edinburgh, Leonardo, Heriot-Watt) is to be expected. 

Annual national conferences (2-3 days within the UK) and at least 1 international conference (~ 1 week) as well as semi-regular travel between Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh and Leonardo is also expected.