At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on soft robotic exoskeletons for stroke rehabilitation.
- Company: Join King’s College London, a top UK research institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for impactful research.
- Other info: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare with cutting-edge robotics technology.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in robotics, computer vision, or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 48000 € per year.
Organisation/Company KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Research Field Computer science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 20 Feb 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
About us:
We are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral research associate with an excellent track record in semantic technologies and machine learning. Topics of interest in this area include, but are not limited to: natural language processing, large language models, graph learning, prompt engineering, knowledge graphs, knowledge engineering, linked data, web technologies.
About the role:
The successful candidate will join the Distributed AI (DAI) group in the Department of Informatics, King’s College London. They will carry out research in neuro-symbolic AI, with a focus on using generative and agentic AI, as well as AI standards to create trustworthy information resources. This includes the design of algorithms, tools, and process for knowledge workers to better organise knowledge bases and maintain the integrity of their information.
The post holder will work closely with Prof Elena Simperl and a team of 15+ researchers and PhD students in the area of human-centric AI. The role covers research in the areas mentioned above, as well as the production of scientific publications and application showcases to drive research impact. The researcher will be expected to support impact creation activities, including hackathons, workshops, tutorials and to actively contribute to ongoing AI standardisation efforts such as MLCommons Croissant. The research and innovation outputs will inform work undertaken in the group in several large collaborative grants and application areas, including arts and culture, enterprise data management, legal compliance.
The ideal candidate will have solid expertise in the technical areas mentioned earlier, as well as a proven track record of scientific excellence (through publications in A and A* conferences and journals) and of open science and FAIR practices (through software, datasets and other research outputs, participation in challenges etc). Familiarity with semantic technologies and neuro-symbolic AI, in theory and practice, is a firm requirement.
The post is full-time, but we can discuss part‑time options in exceptional circumstances. There is also the option to extend the contract beyond the 18 months provided funding is available.
About you:
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- PhD in computer science, AI or related area
- Proven experience of semantic technologies such as knowledge graphs, ontologies, data modelling, RDF, RDFS, OWL
- Proven experience with predictive and generative AI
- Practical experience in using large language models, generative AI techniques, prompt engineering
- Proven record of A/A* scientific publications and open science/FAIR practices
- Teamwork skills demonstrated e.g. through project work, organisation of joint events, co‑authored papers etc.
- Time management and organisational skills, including experience in organising small scientific workshops and similar
- Familiarity with the design of AI enabled tools, AI assistants, and agentic AI
- Familiarity and contributions to Wikipedia and/or Wikidata
- Understanding and practical experience with FAIR and open science practices
- Familiarity and contributions to AI or web standards
- Experience in scientific communication for non‑academic audiences
- Familiarity with one or more of these application domains for neuro‑symbolic AI: law, arts and culture, enterprise data management
- Track record of organising dissemination and community building events e.g. workshops or tutorials co‑located with academic conferences
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.
The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.
We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.
When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description.
To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.
Grade and Salary : £44,105 to £51,485 per annum inclusive of London Weighting Job ID : 135825
Post Date : 16-Jan-2026 Close Date : 20-Feb-2026
Contact Person : Elena Simperl Contact Details : Elena.simperl@kcl.ac.uk
Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Informatics employer: King’s College London
King's College London is a prestigious research institution that fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment, particularly within the Department of Informatics. Employees benefit from access to cutting-edge research projects, such as the NeuroHand initiative, and enjoy opportunities for professional growth through multidisciplinary teamwork and engagement with clinical and commercial stakeholders. The inclusive culture at King's promotes diversity and belonging, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful contributions to science and technology in a vibrant city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Informatics
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups related to robotics and AI. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with robotics and embedded systems. Bring examples of your work or projects to discuss—this will help you stand out from the crowd!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions in your field and practising your responses. Be ready to discuss your research publications and how they relate to the role at King’s College London. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at King’s College London.
We think you need these skills to ace Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Informatics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how your background in robotics, embedded systems, and real-time signal processing aligns with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the essential criteria and showcase your passion for the role. We love seeing candidates who can connect their experiences to our mission at King’s College London.
Showcase Your Research Impact:Don’t forget to mention your research publications and any relevant projects you've worked on. We’re particularly interested in your contributions to human-robot interaction and rehabilitation robotics, so make sure to highlight those!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and is reviewed properly. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of robotics, embedded systems, and real-time signal processing. Familiarise yourself with the NeuroHand project and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in mechanical design, multimodal sensing systems, and programming. Be ready to discuss your publications and any relevant projects, especially those involving patient-facing trials or medical device development.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll likely need to present ideas to clinical and commercial stakeholders, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your delivery.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, the NeuroHand project, and the future direction of the research. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role and environment are the right fit for you.
