UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
RECRUITMENT ROLE PROFILE FORM
Job Title:
Research Associate/Fellow in Robotic Control
School/Department:
Faculty of Engineering, Rolls-Royce Manufacturing and On-Wing
University Technology Centre
Salary:
£25513 to £37394 per annum, depending on skills and experience
(minimum £28,695 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond
this scale is subject to performance
Job Family and Level:
Research and Teaching, Level 4a/Level 4
Contract Status:
This full-time post will offered on a fixed-term contract for a
period of one year
Hours of work:
Full-time (36.25 hours)
Location:
University Park
Responsible to:
Prof. D Axinte
Job Outline:
The Rolls-Royce Manufacturing and On-Wing University Technology Centre (UTC) at the University
of Nottingham is looking to recruit a control and mechatronic researcher to contribute to existing
projects and conduct research within the expanding research groups. In particular, to coordinate
and carry out theoretical and experimental work for developing control methods and
architectures for robotised machine tool systems and supervised processes.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
 To conduct theoretical models and control algorithms, and implement them in real time
applications for robotic/mechatronic systems.
 To develop concepts of robotics and tooling along with appropriate supervision/monitoring
systems.
 To perform kinematic and static/dynamic analysis of robotic systems to evaluate the
performance of their design solutions.
 Demonstrate the concepts of the mechatronic/robotic solutions and test them in
“simulated” working environments using different software platforms.
 To develop innovative automated control solutions for manufacturing systems compatible
with industrial requirements.
 To design hardware and software architectures for high/low level control modules.
 To write research reports and papers in order to disseminate research results and develop
a track record of published research findings in internationally respected peer-reviewed
journals. Further dissemination of results should also occur through invited oral and poster
presentations at international meetings, conferences and seminars.
 To write reports corresponding to the development of the research work as part of the
deliverables of external funded projects.
 Supervise and examine research projects undertaken by undergraduate and master level
students if required.
 Participate in the regular meetings of the Machining and Condition Monitoring Group (MCM)
and Rolls-Royce Manufacturing and On-Wing University Technology Centre.
 Facilitate the growth of both the MCM group and UTC through actively seeking funding sources,
leading research proposals, and ensuring research excellence.
 Contribute to the research work of the Machining and Condition Monitoring Group and
collaborate with their partners as required.
 Operate within the safety systems, IT code of practice etc. as required by the Division,
Department and University.
This job description may be subject to revision following discussion with the person appointed
and forms part of the contract of employment.
Person Specification:
Qualifications/
Education
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Skills/Training
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Experience
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IT Skills
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Personal
Attributes
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Essential
Undergraduate or Masters
degree in mechanical,
mechatronics engineering
or robotics
Good analytical skills for
solving
kinematic/dynamic/static
calculations of complex
mechanisms
Very good skills in writing
computer simulations
related to robotic control
Skills in developing
demonstrators for complex
kinematic mechanisms
/mechatronics/robotics
Skills in developing
monitoring solutions for
robotic applications
Experience in independent
development/construction
of mechatronics or robotic
systems
Experience in developing
control solutions for
autonomous robots
Experience in developing
programs to communicate
with electronic devices
using USB, RJ45, PCI bus
interface units.
Highly skilled in
programming in
Matlab/Simulink and
C/C++applications
Relevant experience using
different API Libraries for
control and data analyses
Good general IT skills,
including a good working
knowledge of word,
PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook,
etc.
Self-motivated
Ability to work in a team
Excellent communication
skills, able to
communicate on all levels
across many areas.
Ability to work
independently.
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Desirable
Postgraduate degree (PhD) in
robotics/mechatronics or related
field of mechanical engineering
Good understanding of
kinematics/dynamics of multidegree of freedom robotics
Knowledge of controlling multidegree of freedom (continuum)
robots
Knowledge in developing collision
avoidance and/or workspace
recognition
Knowledge in sensor systems and
electronic interfaces for robots
Knowledge in haptic/vision
feedback control
Experience in building multidegree of freedom systems
Experience in modelling of
kinematic/dynamic performances
of robots
Track record in demonstrating
robotic systems
Experience in developing fast and
robust advanced algorithms (i.e.
machine learning and statistical
analysis)
Experience of using:
 C/C++/Java/Python
 Matlab/Simulink
 Labview modules: FPGA and real
time
 Visual Studio
 Robot Operating System
 Windows/Linux/Android operating
systems
Due to the requirements of the UK Border and Immigration Agency, applicants who are not UK
or EEA nationals and whose immigration status entitles them to work without restriction in the
UK will be considered on an equal basis with UK and EEA nationals. Other non-UK or non-EEA
nationals whose employment will require permission to work subject to a resident labour
market test may only be considered if there are no suitable UK or EEA national candidates for
the post. Please visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ for more information.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. D Axinte, tel: +44 (0)115 951 4117 or email:
dragos.axinte@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email
address will not be accepted.