The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

As a Research Assistant in intelligent robotics for manufacturing, you will support implementation of advanced control and learning methods to enable robots to perform complex manufacturing tasks with high adaptability and precision. You will support the integration of multi-modality sensing technologies, artificial intelligence, and real-time control strategies to enhance robotic manipulation in manufacturing tasks. You will enhance the research, and related activities of the group drawing on your own expertise and that of your colleagues. In addition to strong software development skills, you will need to interpret requirements from different stakeholders and creatively solve problems. In this role, active participation in ongoing research projects is anticipated, with an additional expectation to contribute to scientific publications and demonstrations. Support will be provided by senior colleagues in the Digital Manufacturing Laboratory.

You will have completed a First degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related subject. A Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a subject related to robotics and AI technologies would be advantageous. You will need proven experience in software development at least in Python and ideally also C++. The ability to work effectively with both internal colleagues and external industrial partners would be essential. The ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and to communicate research findings to a wide range of academic and industrial audiences is also essential for this role.

The post will be based in the Digital Manufacturing Laboratory, led by Professor Ashutosh Tiwari, within the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Set up experimental platforms in simulation and real-world robotic systems, based on specific use cases, including multi-modality perception systems, to enable testing and validation of robotic manipulation strategies.
• Implement intelligent algorithms for the robotic execution of manipulation tasks, enhancing adaptability, precision, and efficiency in a manufacturing context.
• Collaborate with the partners involved within the project on use cases and demonstrator development, and test the developed system in a real manufacturing context.
• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress.
• Contribute to high quality reports and progress reports to contribute to academic publications.
• Contribute to preparation and delivery of publications for high profile and respected conferences and journals at national/international level to disseminate research findings.
• Plan and prepare several months in advance to meet project deliverables.
• Participate in the general collaborative working of a team for example, to present to the group, participate in its seminar meetings, engage in its training events, and to demonstrate research to visitors etc.
• Contribute to the development of further research proposals.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever

possible.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• A first degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related subject (assessed at: application)
• Knowledge of robotics frameworks, simulations and applications software, such as ROS2 and Gazebo (assessed at: application).
• Have practical experience with a robotic arm (e.g. Universal Robot UR, Kuka iiwa, etc) (assessed at: application and interview).
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of current software engineering practices (e.g. having an active GitHub presence) (assessed at: application and interview)
• Having the tenacity to solve challenging research problems, leveraging existing knowledge, learning new skills, and developing both innovative and pragmatic solutions. (assessed at: application and interview)
• Ability to work effectively as part of a research team. (assessed at: interview)
• Ability to plan and progress work activities to meet key project deadlines. (assessed at: interview)

Desirable criteria

• A Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a subject related to robotics and AI technologies (assessed at: application)
• Experience in integrating sensing technologies for robotic perception and interaction in a real robot. (assessed at: application and interview)

Further Information

Grade: 6

Salary: £31,637 - £36,130

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: 12 months

Line manager: Airbus / RAEng Research Chair in Digitisation for Manufacturing

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mac

For informal enquiries about this job contact
[Ze Zhang]: on ze.zhang@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 26th May 2025. This will consist of a presentation and an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 19th May 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-recruiters@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
 

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.