University of Bristol Recruitment 2026: Research Associate in Tactile Robotics

University of Bristol Recruitment 2026: Research Associate in Tactile Robotics

The University of Bristol, United Kingdom, invites applications for the position of Research Associate in Tactile Robotics. Based within the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, this exciting research opportunity is part of a collaborative project with the National Composites Centre (NCC) focused on advancing autonomous composite quality assurance through neuromorphic tactile sensing.

The successful candidate will work on developing next-generation tactile sensing technologies and AI-powered robotics solutions for industrial composite manufacturing.

Position Details

Post: Research Associate in Tactile Robotics

Job Number: ACAD108626

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering

School: School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology

Institution: University of Bristol

Employment Type: Open-ended

Work Pattern: Part-time

Location: Bristol, United Kingdom

Salary

• £39,906 – £44,746 per annum (pro rata)

About the Role

The successful candidate will join a joint research project between the University of Bristol and the National Composites Centre (NCC) titled:

"Autonomous Real-Time Composite Quality Assurance via Neuromorphic Tactile Sensing."

The project aims to develop advanced tactile sensing technologies capable of detecting defects during composite manufacturing processes using robotics, artificial intelligence, and neuromorphic sensing.

The role offers access to the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL), the largest multidisciplinary robotics research centre in the UK.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will:

• Develop and optimise artificial tactile sensors for automated defect detection during composite layup.

• Design algorithms for tactile sensing and defect identification.

• Develop visualisation tools to demonstrate system performance in industrial environments.

• Build a demonstrator for automated composite quality inspection.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers from the University of Bristol and the National Composites Centre.

• Conduct experimental validation of tactile sensing technologies.

• Publish research findings in leading scientific journals and present work at conferences.

• Contribute to the advancement of intelligent robotic inspection systems for manufacturing.

Research Areas

The project combines expertise from multiple research domains, including:

• Robotics

• Tactile Robotics

• Artificial Intelligence

• Neuromorphic Computing

• Tactile Sensors

• Composite Manufacturing

• Industrial Automation

• Machine Learning

• Neural Networks

• Computer Vision

• Smart Manufacturing

• Human-Robot Interaction

Research Environment

The successful candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary research team that includes:

• Dr. Benjamin Ward-Cherrier

• PhD Student Ao Li

• Research Engineers from the National Composites Centre (NCC)

The role provides access to:

• Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) – the UK's largest robotics research facility.

• State-of-the-art robotics, sensing, and manufacturing research infrastructure.

• Strong collaboration with industrial partners through the National Composites Centre.

Essential Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Experience in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.

• Knowledge of artificial tactile sensors.

• Experience with neural networks or machine learning techniques.

• Strong programming and algorithm development skills.

• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Candidates with experience in robotics, AI, sensing technologies, or intelligent manufacturing systems will be particularly well suited for this position.

Why Join the University of Bristol?

The selected researcher will have the opportunity to:

• Work on cutting-edge robotics and AI research with real-world industrial impact.

• Collaborate with the National Composites Centre (NCC) and leading robotics researchers.

• Access world-class facilities at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory.

• Contribute to innovations in autonomous manufacturing and quality assurance.

• Publish internationally recognized research and expand their professional network.

Important Date

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official University of Bristol recruitment portal, ensuring all required documents are uploaded before the application deadline.

Applicants are advised to review the detailed eligibility criteria and application requirements in the official vacancy announcement before applying.

Official Source

Organization: University of Bristol

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering

School: School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology

Position: Research Associate in Tactile Robotics

Researchers with expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, tactile sensing, machine learning, and smart manufacturing are encouraged to apply for this exciting research opportunity.

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