Research Associate in Self-Assembling Robots

Overview

This project aims to develop a novel manufacturing method of a finger sized robot through self-assembly and unconventional 4D printing techniques. This is a collaboration with MIT, USA, funded by EPSRC, lasting for 8 months starting from the end of May 2025. We invite applications from excellent candidates for a postdoctoral (Research Associate) opening in this project.

You should hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in any relevant area of robotics, microrobotics, self-assembly, 3D/4D printing, and should have a knowledge of experimental implementation of robot fabrication.

You will join Sheffield Microrobotics Lab, an internationally-renowned research group in miniature self-reconfigurable robots, and will contribute to the reputation of the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct research and development in the Sheffield Microrobotics Lab
• Perform system evaluation in-line with project goals.
• Develop and test hardware and software regularly to achieve required project objectives.
• Collaborate with internal and overseas collaborators on design principles, methodology implementation and development of use cases.
• Report research results to a wide range of audiences
• Write high quality journal papers, research reports, progress reports, and meet any other reporting obligations.
• Prepare and give presentations, reporting research results and related work, and prepare demonstrations.
• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress.
• Assist in the supervision of Masters and PhD projects in related areas as a project leader.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• Hold a PhD (or close to completion) in Engineering (ME, EE, CS, Control, Design), Robotics, Material Sciences, Physics, Bioengineering. (or equivalent experience) (assessed at application)
• A good fit in one or more of the following factors (assessed at application/interview/presentation)
  • Experiences in mechatronics and robotics development and reasonable knowledge on physics.
  • Experiences in fabrication techniques with applications to miniature robotics or functional materials
  • Experience or interest in self-assembly.
• Evidence of experimental implementation of soft-matter technology. (assessed at application/interview/presentation)
• Strong track record of journal and conference publications in the relevant areas. (assessed at application/interview/presentation)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting your findings to a range of audiences (assessed at application/interview/presentation)
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal colleagues and external collaborators and partners. (assessed at application/interview)
• Ability to make decisions and apply creative approaches to solving complex technical problems (assessed at application, interview, and presentation)
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment including individuals both internal and external to the University (assessed at application/interview)
• Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines. (assessed at application and interview)

Desirable criteria

• Ability to support both undergraduate and postgraduate student projects. (assessed at application and interview)
• Ability to contribute to research proposal development. (assessed at application)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,249

Duration: 29th May 2025 - 8th February 2026

Line manager: Dr Shuhei Miyashita

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Shuhei Miyashita on shuhei.miyashita@sheffield.ac.uk or on +44 (0)114 2225662

Next steps in the recruitment process

The selection process is expected to take place in May 2025 and will include an interview with a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage at the end of April 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact eee-postaward@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).