Research Associate – School of Computer Science – 104600 – Grade 6

Position Details

School of Computer Science

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,296 to £34,866 with potential progression once in post to £39,105

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2024

Closing date: 27th October 2024

Background

The post is to develop software required for tooling integration for autonomous robots operating in dynamic and uncertain environments. The successful candidate will join the Hybrid Planning for AI and Robotics (HyPAIR) lab in the context of the Horizon EU CONVINCE project (CONtext-aware Verifiable and adaptIve dyNamiC dEliberation).

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and/or projects
• Operate within area of specialism
• Contribute to publications

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Integrating developed planning tools with the overall project toolchain for use cases including robot vacuum cleaner, assembly robot, robotic museum guide
• Contribute to the development of planning methods for prediction via simulation
• Contribute to the development of active planning and plan refinement methods for root cause analysis of execution failure.
• Participating in project and integration meetings
• Present research outputs, including drafting project reports and academic publications 
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Collect and interpret data when necessary
• Design and implement software for real robotics system to enable experiments
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area. MSc in computer science, robotics or any related fields 
• Proficient in several programming languages including Python, C++
• Ability to realise developed algorithms in real robots 
• Knowledgeable in broad AI and robotics techniques including but not limited to Planning, optimisation and machine learning.
• Proficient in working with known robotics software and middle ware such as ROS
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Masoumeh Mansouri, email: [email protected] 

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.