Research Support Technician in Robotics

Do you want to support world-leading research in surgical and rehabilitation robotics? Do you want to help develop systems for robotic object manipulation and grasping? Are you interested in the development of mechatronic technologies for healthcare?

We are looking for a professional and proactive individual with a good team-working ethos to support our research in the new interdisciplinary robotics research suite located in the new Bragg building. This space provides extensive new laboratory space and facilities for research teams from the Schools of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science working on surgical robotics and healthcare technologies, rehabilitation and assistive robotics, and robotic learning and manipulation.

The ~550 m2 space is spread over 2 floors and is equipped with a range of innovative robots and research tools including rapid prototyping machines, medical-grade robotic arms, haptic interfaces, a variety of precision linear stages and force sensors, endoscopy systems, omnidirectional mobile robotic bases, a variety of robotic grippers and hands, marker-based tracking systems, high-resolution imaging and multi-axis load-testing. An extraction hood and a vacuum oven allow for silicone and other soft polymers casting and moulding.

You will be directly involved with our advanced robotic platforms, including the Intuitive Surgical daVinci Research Kit (dVRK) and our magnetic flexible endoscope (MFE). You will help design and develop robotic manipulation systems for picking and packing in warehouses. You will contribute to the development and evaluation of mechatronic systems for healthcare like intelligent insoles to monitor foot pressures in people with diabetes.

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 options plus life assurance.
• 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, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

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

Pietro Valdastri, PhD, Chair in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3706

Email: P.Valdastri@leeds.ac.uk