Research Fellow in Autonomous Manufacturing of Robotics Systems

Are you enthusiastic and experienced in designing and building advanced manufacturing platforms such as 3D printers? Are you looking for a new and exciting challenge as part of a world class advanced manufacturing and robotics team?  Do you want to design and create autonomous manufacturing platforms that will change our lives? 

This is your opportunity to make a tangible impact within the field of manufacturing and robotics while collaborating with a team of brilliant minds in a dynamic research environment. In this role you will lead the development of a fully integrated manufacturing capability for the end-to-end autonomous fabrication of robotics and autonomous system by developing and integrating advances in hybrid manufacturing, machine control, inspection and automation.

You will work across two world-leading research groups, the advanced manufacturing laboratory and the Real Robotics laboratory, at the University of Leeds. Between these two research groups they have research projects totalling more than £30m. The Advanced Manufacturing laboratory comprises a team that specialise in constructing digital manufacturing systems and developing new fabrication processes housed within a dedicated 140m2 state-of-the-art research facility. The Real Robotics research includes robotic manufacturing and manufacturing of robots including world class robot fabrication facilities, and robotic systems to inspect and repair city infrastructure.  Current major externally funded projects include Pipebots, Trustworthy Autonomous System Verifiability Node, and the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute (the AMP Institute).

In this role you will take a leadership role in the design and implementation of Robots, for manufacturing advanced functional systems. As well as supporting project partners with hardware design, you will conduct pioneering work on innovative systems integration for robotics, and autonomous control strategies. Holding both a PhD (or have submitted your thesis before taking up the role), and a Bachelors or Masters degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics or a related discipline, you will have experience in the design construction and testing of advanced hardware platforms for robotics ideally including aerial platforms. 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Robert Kay, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2139

Email: R.W.Kay@leeds.ac.uk 

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit the Government’s page, Apply for the Global Talent visa.

What we offer in return

26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 14.5% of salary. Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

Closing Date: 02 Apr 2025

Section: Research

Salary: £39,355 to £46,735 p.a.