Research Associate in Haptic User Interfaces for Well-being (AP

## Dive into Innovation: A Groundbreaking Haptic Interface Research Opportunity This role presents a truly exciting prospect for ambitious researchers eager to make a tangible impact. You'll be at the forefront of developing a novel haptic interface, a technology poised to revolutionize well-being devices and potentially shape industries. If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of what's possible and thrive in a dynamic research environment, this opportunity is designed for you. ### The Core of the Opportunity: At its heart, this position is about hands-on innovation. You will be instrumental in the design, prototyping, and rigorous testing of various approaches to integrating kinaesthetic haptic feedback into a cutting-edge, handheld well-being device. This is a chance to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, impactful technology. ### Who Will Thrive Here? We are seeking enthusiastic individuals with a distinct entrepreneurial spirit and a deep-seated motivation to advance knowledge and technology. Ideal candidates will possess: * Strong Engineering Foundation: Demonstrated experience in hardware development and/or medical device engineering. * User-Centric Design Acumen: Ideally, experience in the design and evaluation of interactive systems with end-users, showcasing a commitment to human-centered innovation. * Exceptional Collaboration Skills: The ability to communicate effectively and work seamlessly both independently and within a multidisciplinary team. * Proactive Initiative: A high level of self-motivation and the drive to take ownership of projects. ### Academic and Experiential Requirements: To be considered for this Research Associate position, you should hold a PhD (or be very close to completion) in a relevant discipline such as: * Mechanical Engineering * Electrical Engineering * Computer Science * Human-Computer Interaction * Haptics * Robotics * Mechatronics * Or a closely related field. A strong track record of relevant prior experience or publications will be essential. **Important Note:** For exceptional candidates who may not yet hold a PhD but are within six months of their completion date, a Research Assistant (Grade 6) offer may be considered. Upon successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Associate. This offers a valuable pathway to gain experience and contribute to this impactful project. ### Key Advantages for Your Career Path: * Pioneering Technology: Work on a truly novel technology with significant commercial and societal potential. This is an opportunity to build a portfolio of cutting-edge research. * Hands-On Prototyping: Gain invaluable practical experience in designing, building, and testing hardware prototypes. * User-Centric Development: Engage directly with end-users, honing your skills in user-centered design and evaluation. * Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Learn and grow within a diverse team, fostering cross-functional problem-solving. * Professional Development: As a member of the University of Bath's research staff, you'll be actively encouraged to pursue professional development with a minimum of 10 days allocated annually. * Supportive Environment: The University of Bath fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion, offering a range of benefits designed to support your well-being and career progression. ### Considerations for Applicants: * Project Duration: The position is available from January 5, 2026, to February 28, 2027. * Location: You will be based within the Human-Computer Interaction group in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Bath. * Application Requirements: When applying, please be prepared to provide specific examples of your hardware prototyping experience. * Contribution to Well-being: This role offers a unique chance to contribute to a device aimed at enhancing well-being, aligning your technical skills with a positive societal outcome. This is more than just a research position; it's an invitation to be part of something transformative. If you possess the drive, the skills, and the vision, we encourage you to explore this exceptional opportunity.