Lecturer in Automation and Robotics in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment (SCEBE) has around 220 academics and around 4,000 students, delivering programmes with professional accreditations from various bodies. We have excellent computing, engineering and construction lab facilities, housing leading UK research centres in transport policy, cyber security, evolutionary robotics and sustainable construction. Currently, we have an opportunity to join our Engineering research group as a Lecturer in Automation and Robotics and assist in developing our expanding portfolio of programmes while contributing to the growing international standing of our research.

As Lecturer in Automation and Robotics, you will have the opportunity to use your skills and knowledge of Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Automation, Robotics and Programmable Logic Control (PLC) to deliver high quality, student-centred teaching and learning that is underpinned by excellent research able to support innovation. Your subject matter expertise will put you in an excellent position to contribute to and build programmes and modules to support the expansion of the school’s teaching portfolio, which currently includes BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering, BEng/MEng Energy and Environmental Engineering, BEng Design and Manufacture (GA), MSc Advanced Materials Engineering, MSc Automation and Control and MSc Renewable Energy (accredited by the relevant professional body).

You will also have the opportunity to expand your industry connections through our existing networks and by visiting students on one-year industry placements and on our employer-based Graduate Apprentice programme. We have strong research expertise in energy, materials, manufacturing, design, mathematics, automation, robotics, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0. This role will allow you to explore novel and emerging areas in Engineering, delivering excellent quality research papers and securing substantial external research funding.

To help you achieve this you will benefit from:

• A research allowance of 30% of your time to expand your research – which can be increased further through external funding.
• Access to our staff development budget for travel to conferences and to establish collaborations.
• Extensive training and development opportunities through our Human Resources (HR) and Research, Innovation and Enterprise Office (RIE).
• Support for grant applications and post-award running of grants from professional services colleagues in the schools and the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Office (RIE).
• Opportunities to lead or join PhD student supervisory teams.
• Opportunities to contribute to the leadership of the research group.

What we will need from you:

• A doctoral-level qualification or equivalent in Engineering / Robotics or related areas and a first degree or a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering / Mechatronics / Automation & Control / Robotics Engineering or related areas.
• Demonstrate expertise and strong background in Automation, Robotics and PLC and/or any logic feedback control loop or comparable relevant expertise and background.
• Knowledge of relevant controllable hardware systems, for example, electro-mechanical hardware and BS7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) or comparable relevant knowledge and experience.
• Evidence of strong academic standing in research and teaching & learning.
• A sustained track record of internationally excellent quality output in the research area of Engineering or related areas, appropriate for the level of lecturer.
• Research interest in Automation / Control / Robotics / AI for Engineering fields.
• Experience in using Siemens’ Programmable Logic Control (PLC) hardware and software, including the relevant communication protocol.
• Industrial automation, control and robotics experience.
• National and international collaboration network in industry and academia.
• HEA membership or a strong willingness to achieve membership within 2 years of appointment.
• Chartered Engineer or working towards becoming a Chartered Engineer.
• A track record of securing external funding and support for research activity.

Benefits we offer:

• Pension with employer contributions of 26%
• Hybrid and flexible working opportunities
• Paid annual leave based on full entitlement of 46 days.

Additional information:

• Contract: Permanent, Full Time – 35 hrs/wk
• We are reviewing applications as they come in and may close the advert early once we find the right candidate. If this role interests you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
• The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.
• The University holds Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status.
• We are a flexible Employer.