Research Associate (Dexterous Soft Robotic Manipulators) (KP13160)

About the role

We are looking for a Research Associate to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering to work on an exciting new ARIA-funded project dealing with emerging technologies of soft robotics. This new technology utilises flexible and compliant materials in its design to translate fundamental biological principles into new engineering rules, combining life-like components into structures that create robotic systems that perform much like natural systems. 

This ARIA-funded research project (https://www.aria.org.uk/opportunity-spaces/smarter-robot-bodies/robot-dexterity/meet-the-creators) aims to create a new analytical framework involving model- and learning-based approaches and their subsequent integration, opening new horizons in understanding the fundamental characteristics, dynamics, and internal physical interactions of soft robotic manipulators that we have created but are yet to fully understand their behaviour. The new knowledge generated and the research outcomes will lead to the creation and exploitation of next-generation intelligent and dexterous soft manipulators to allow innovation and growth to maximise their economic and societal benefits.

The Research Associate will be responsible for delivering high-quality research on topics, including:

Develop model and learning based approaches for modelling soft robotic manipulators and systemsDevelop the analytical framework for modelling, understanding, and developing dexterous soft robotic manipulators.Framework integration and experimental validations.Collaboration with the co-designers in the ARIA group.

To help us understand how the soft manipulators that we build behave during motion, and develop effective analytical framework for modelling, predicting, controlling, and understanding these soft robotic systems

This role will suit you if you Hold a PhD degree in a subject area of direct relevance to the project. Have previous experience in one or more of the following: modelling, design, control or prototyping of robotic components and systems. Have excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skillsAre self-motivated and have excellent communication skills. 

You will be working with an interdisciplinary research team and collaborating with ARIA creators and partners. Whilst being responsible for planning and conducting research activities and are expected to take an active role in the laboratory. You should possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively as part of a team and present your work to diverse audiences. 

Further Information

This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis until June 2028

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Min Pan (Professor, Mechanical Engineering) on mp351@bath.ac.uk

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

What we can offer you:

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

Free counselling services through Health AssuredCycle to work schemeElectric vehicle salary sacrifice schemeStaff discount at Team Bath gymStaff discounts on postgraduate tuition feesStaff discount on language coursesGenerous employer contributory pension schemesGenerous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balanceA wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and moreFree entry to the Holburne Museum in BathLocal discounts and moreA family-friendly workplace An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforceRelocation allowanceVisa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

                                            

Closing Date: 30 Nov 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,784 to £46,049