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Research Associate in Soft Robotics and Machine Learning

University of Bath
Bath
5 days ago
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Research Associate in Soft Robotics and Machine Learning

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Research Associate in Soft Robotics and Machine Learning

About The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to take a key role in the development of a new analytical framework for developing dexterous soft robotic manipulators. The role is funded by ARIA (Advanced Research and Invention Agency). The successful applicant will be based at the University of Bath.

The emerging technology of soft robotics exploits flexible and compliant materials for their design. They are able to translate fundamental biological principles into new engineering design rules or combine life-like components into a synthetic structure to create robotic systems that perform very much like a natural system. Soft robotic systems provide a route to increase body flexibility, improve dexterous handling in unstructured environments, enable adaptability of wearable and medical devices, and safer human-machine interaction. Machine Learning (ML) is an emerging technology with significant potential in integrating and embodying soft robotics technologies, but it is in its infancy in this area. This high-risk, high-gain project will provide a step-change and lead to advances at the frontiers of knowledge in soft robotics by creating a new analytical modelling framework which involves new model- and learning-based approaches and their integration to allow modelling, prediction, control and understanding of soft robotic manipulators. The new framework will address and overcome “frustrating unpredictability”, “surprising results”, “ineffectiveness and inaccuracy”, and “unreliability” of the soft manipulators during motion, as well as “a lack of understanding and tools” challenge during research on soft robotics.

The PDRA will be responsible for delivering high-quality research on the topic, including:

  • Design and development of soft manipulators.
  • Development of a multimodal sensing system and the learning-based models of soft manipulators.
  • Model assessment and evaluation.
  • Creation of an analytical modelling framework to enable an understanding and the development of dexterous soft robotic manipulators

This Role Will Suit You If You

  • Hold a PhD degree in a subject area of direct relevance for the project.
  • Have previous experience in one or more of the following: modelling, design, control or prototyping of soft robots and systems.
  • Have excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
  • Are self-motivated and have excellent communication skills.

You will be responsible for planning and performing your own research activities. You will be expected to take an active role in supporting PhD and undergraduate research students within the laboratory. You should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work as part of a team and discuss your work with a range of audiences.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed term role for a period of 24 months.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Professor Min Pan ()

Please ensure you submit your application via our website. Please note that during initial shortlisting, the panel can only see your application form and your answers to the shortlisting questions; they cannot see your attachments (e.g. your CV).

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

What We Can Offer You

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

  • Free counselling services through Health Assured
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
  • Staff discount at Team Bath gym
  • Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
  • Staff discount on language courses
  • Generous employer contributory pension schemes
  • Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that 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 Holburne Museum in Bath
  • Local discounts and more
  • A family-friendly workplace
  • An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
  • Relocation allowance
  • Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

We are committed to continually expanding our benefits to better support you and enhance your experience with us. Find out more about our benefits.

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on X for more information.

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Further Details

  • Job Description & Person Specification



  • Terms and Conditions of Employment

We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.

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  • Seniority levelInternship

Employment type

  • Employment typePart-time

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  • IndustriesHigher Education

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