Salary range:  £26,829 - £30,175
FTE:  1.0
Term:  Fixed (3 years)
Closing Date: 30 April 2017

The Space Mechatronic Systems Technology Lab within the Department of Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management seeks to recruit a Research Assistant in Haptic robotic arm system design for application within a range of environments and applications including satellite applications and space mechatronic systems development. The Assistant will work as part of a team on a robotic project funded by the European Commission and an Overseas’ funder. The team comprises of both University and Industry staff. It is expected that this work may also be expanded into mechatronic system development for CAD system and other applications.

As a Research Assistant you will support research into existing relevant haptic robotic arm technology and systems; thoroughly investigate the innovative systematic approach using these systems or solutions for as many as innovative applications, e.g. CAD system interaction and human robotic interaction challenges in factory assembly simulations and other industrial sectors. The role will require the Assistant to work, with guidance as required, with CAD models of engineering parts, robotics and haptic /robotic controller.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of Degree level within a relevant discipline, or you will have relevant industrial experience, with a sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in robotic hand, manipulator systems design, integration and construction. You will have knowledge of haptics, robotics, CAD or robotic arm systems or other system design, or mechatronic system development and you will have the ability to apply design skills in system integration of CAD, robotic hand/arm and visualisation systems. You will have an ability to write up the results of your own research and contribute to the production of research reports and publications reports.  You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences and have an ability to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary and/or cross-disciplinary team.   

Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed from candidates with: experience in industrial robotics; experience of building and integrating robotic controller/s, with robotic hand and vision based tracking system, within an industrial environment; and/or broad knowledge of control programming and manipulation in developing their support systems. Candidates with industrial experience and space research are also welcomed.  

Initial interviews have been scheduled for May 2017.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Xiu Yan, Director of SMeSTech Lab, x.yan@strath.ac.uk 0141 5482852.

Click here for full details.