Post-doctoral Research Associate in 2D/3D Perception for Robotic Harvesting in Lincoln

The University of Lincoln is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate with expertise in robotic perception and computer vision to join our internationally recognised Agri-Robotics research team.

You will work on Vitrum, an ambitious Innovate UK-funded collaborative project developing a commercially deployable, fully dexterous robotic harvester for on-the-vine tomatoes. The project addresses one of the UK's most pressing challenges in horticulture—the shortage of skilled labour—by enabling automated harvesting of protected crops. The technology aims to support growers in expanding domestic glasshouse production, improving productivity, and reducing reliance on imported produce. Vitrum is led by Dogtooth Technologies in partnership with APS Produce and the University of Lincoln, bringing together expertise in advanced robotics, AI-driven perception, and commercial horticulture to validate robotic harvesting under real production conditions.

The Role

At the University of Lincoln, our research focuses on advanced perception and scene understanding for robotic harvesting. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of novel methods for:

• simultaneous 3D scene reconstruction and plant modelling;
• multi-modal scene sensing and interpretation;
• pre-harvest fruit quality assessment;
• perception algorithms for autonomous crop harvesting.

We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• multi-view 3D reconstruction;
• computational geometry and 3D vision;
• plant or crop modelling;
• computer vision for robotics;
• multi-modal and multi-spectral sensing.

About You

You should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in robotics, computer vision, artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, or another closely related discipline. You will have:

• excellent mathematical and analytical skills;
• strong programming experience in C++ and Python;
• experience with ROS or related robotic software frameworks;
• the ability to conduct high-quality independent research while working effectively within a multidisciplinary team;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Evidence of publications in internationally recognised venues appropriate to your career stage will be highly desirable.

What We Offer

This position provides an outstanding opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of robotics, AI, and agriculture. You will:

• collaborate with leading academic and industrial partners;
• work with state-of-the-art agricultural robots, advanced sensors, and AI systems;
• have access to industrial-scale glasshouse facilities and research farms;
• contribute to the development of technologies with clear commercial and societal impact;
• help supervise and mentor PhD students within our growing agri-robotics research group.

Appointment

This is a full-time, fixed-term position until 30 June 2028, with excellent opportunities for professional development and future research collaborations.

For informal enquiries, please contact Prof. Grzegorz Cielniak (gcielniak@lincoln.ac.uk).

Apply Online

Further details: Job Description and Person Specification. You can find out more about working at Lincoln, and everything that we have to offer, at: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/jobopportunities/

We strive for a diverse workforce with the very best employees and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. The University encourages applications from underrepresented groups inclusive of Black, Asian and other minoritised/marginalised ethnic groups, all gender identities and expressions from the LGBTQIA+ community, candidates with a disability, and those that practise different faiths and beliefs, to enhance our One Community where we strive to be kind, patient, and supportive of each other.

We would like to remind potential applicants that visa sponsorship information is available from UK Visas and Immigration. You may be eligible to work in the UK via other visa routes such as the Global Talent Visa or by having Settlement / ILR.