Research Fellow in Robot Recycling (EPSME1200)

Would you like to be a part of an exciting project to improve circular manufacturing? Do you have a background in robotics? Are you inspired by utilising robotic systems to drive sustainability? 

As a key member of the Real Robotics Lab, you will lead the development of innovative robotic platforms, systems, and software for real-world deployment. The Real Robotics Lab manages over £3 million in current research projects, including robotics for infrastructure inspection and repair, advanced robot design and fabrication, and automation for sustainable manufacturing.

This role forms part of the EPSRC Manufacturing Research Hub in Robotics, Automation & Smart Machine Enabled Sustainable Circular Manufacturing & Materials (RESCu-M2), led by the University of Birmingham. The Hub aims to transform the sustainable use of critical materials and increase the productivity of ‘Re-X’ manufacturing processes.

You will design, implement, and test robots for advanced disassembly of robotic systems to enable component and material recovery and reuse. In collaboration with project partners, you will contribute to hardware and software design, systems integration, and autonomous control strategies, delivering sophisticated demonstrators and field trials.

This role will be based on the University campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

 

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

Professor Robert Richardson, Professor 

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2156

Email: R.C.Richardson@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: 27 Oct 2025

Section: Research

Salary: £41,064 to £48,822 p.a.
Due to funding restrictions, an appointment will not be made higher than £43,482 p.a.