Research Associate in Mechatronics Design

We are looking for a highly experienced and skilled PDRA who will work on the EU project AEROSUB "Automated Inspection Robots For Surface, Aerial And Underwater Substructures". The PDRA is expected to have experience in the following topics:

• Mechatronics design and development
• 3D CAD tools
• Motors, motor drivers
• Manufacturing and assembly of systems with unconventional mechanical parts
• Implementation of mechanical design, motor control, and electronics for robotic end-effectors
• Robotic manipulation
• Visual-servoing
• Tele-operation

The accepted candidate will work towards developing one or more robotic end effectors for cleaning of surfaces of underwater assets. The end-effector will be a part of a holistic underwater mobile-manipulator system, composed of an underwater vehicle, an underwater robotic arm, and the control system. The main application will be cleaning biological fouling on underwater assets i) by rubbing and ii) by using water jets. Mechatronic design, development and integration of end-effectors will be studied in this position.

This is an exciting project that addresses one of the most challenging extreme environment applications of robotic systems, namely underwater, and brings together in its consortium the top-level expertise in Europe from different disciplines (robotics, machine vision, AI, control, human-robot interaction, energy). It will provide a welcoming and collaborative environment to excel the young researchers in various and connected domains within a team of EU-wide experts.

The underwater manipulation team at Heriot-Watt is a part of the new and exceptional multi-million pounds National Robotarium facility bringing together academic research and industry in Heriot-Watt University campus and housing extremely impactful industry-oriented research. Candidates will have a strong interest and background in the above-cited topics with a PhD degree (having submitted their thesis), or equivalent experience. Strong competencies in design and development, robotics, mechatronics, and control are desirable. The position should start on April 1st, 2026, but applications will be fully considered until the position is filled. The position will be for 12 months.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the development of student research skills and be expected to contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties.
• Could be expected to contribute to specialist courses such as research methods and equipment.
• Continue to update personal knowledge and to develop skills within own specialist research area.
• Maintain written records of research results and progress generated intellectual property and data analysis.
• Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• Write research reports and publish journal and conference papers.
• Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes.
• Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.
• Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision-making.
• Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research.
• Contribute, under supervision, to the planning of research projects, including the development of new grant/contract proposals.
• Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.

We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a team. Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential. Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities and liaising with companies and external collaborators. The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant area of mechatronics design, robotic manipulation, control or related subject (or a thesis submitted by the start date of the project).
• Possess and maintain sufficient breadth or depth of specialist discipline knowledge and or research methods and techniques to work in own area.
• Experience of working in a team and/or multi-cultural work environment.
• A record of publications, for stage in career, and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity.
• Must have proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis / modelling of the results.
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative.
• Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with collaborators at other Universities and Industrial Partners.
• Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks).

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of ability to present work effectively in person, e.g. at conferences and seminars.
• Previous experience with one or more of the following: mechatronic design, robotic manipulators, control, visual-servoing.
• Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.
• Experience in programming, system integration and communication across sensors and actuators, data acquisition and analysis.
• Experience in research-student supervision and/or student tutoring.
• Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.

About our Team

The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, is recruiting a post-doctoral research associate (RA) to work on the EU project "Automated Inspection Robots For Surface, Aerial And Underwater Substructures" (AEROSUB). The underwater robotic manipulation team at the Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems (ISSS) aims to develop robotic technologies for inspection, cleaning, and manipulation of underwater assets. Our group has years of expertise and research on underwater robotics that has been funded throughout the years by EPSRC, industry, and European Commission, the prominent ones of which in the recent years have been ORCA-HUB, ORCA-HUB Stream B, and UNITE. The current position is funded by European Commission under the currently accepted AEROSUB project.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system. Letter of motivation highlighting the relevance of background to the project, CV Two major publications concerning the project. Applications with incomplete documentation will not be considered. Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Sunday 15th February 2026. Shortlisting and interviews will begin promptly after the application deadline. It is recommended to contact Dr. Erden by email for a first expression of interest, as well as any informal inquiry, prior to a formal application.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.