At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing an autonomous crop protection robot for strawberry production.
- Company: Be part of Loughborough University, a vibrant community focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, and access to fantastic facilities.
- Other info: Dynamic research environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in robotics while working on cutting-edge agricultural technology.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in robotics, with programming skills in C++ and/or Python.
The predicted salary is between 34380 - 42020 £ per year.
Application Closing Date: Monday, 24 August 2026
Full time, fixed term, 18 months, starting Sept 14th 2026
This role is part of an Innovate UK-funded project developing the first autonomous canopy-zone-specific crop protection robot system for protected strawberry production. We are looking for an ambitious Research Associate who would like to contribute to the development of a novel autonomous robotic platform capable of precisely delivering biological and chemical crop protection treatments within commercial strawberry polytunnels.
This post will focus on developing and integrating robotic perception, localisation and manipulation technologies to enable accurate detection and treatment of specific crop canopy zones. Working as part of a multidisciplinary academic and industrial research team, the successful candidate will develop and validate novel LiDAR and vision-based algorithms, integrate these with a robotic manipulator and conduct laboratory and commercial field trials. The researcher will also work closely with project partners to support system integration, project delivery and the dissemination of research findings through technical reports, academic publications and conferences.
About You
- You should have a PhD or be very near completion in a relevant field
- A background in robotics or autonomous systems
- Experience with robot manipulators and robotic perception
- Experience with ROS/ROS2 and programming skills with C++ and/or Python
- A track record in authoring original work for academic journal papers or similar
- Experience in robot learning, manipulator control, LiDAR-based localisation and/or semantic segmentation would be desirable.
Why should you Apply?
With huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for you to develop and continually grow. If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Matthew Coombes.
Application Process
For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process.
Closing Date: 24th August
Interview Date: 31st August
Please note: This role is subject to full project funding being confirmed. At this stage, we cannot guarantee that the recruitment process will ultimately lead to an employment contract being offered.
Our Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme
- Access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus
- Competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities
- Support for you and those close to you through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus
- Discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy
- Access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting
Research Associate in CANOPY, Loughborough employer: Loughborough University
Loughborough University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of advanced battery technologies. With a strong commitment to employee growth, this PhD studentship provides not only comprehensive funding but also extensive training opportunities, making it an ideal environment for aspiring researchers to thrive and contribute to meaningful advancements in climate-resilient energy solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in CANOPY, Loughborough
✨Dive into Robotics Meetups
Get yourself out there and connect with others in the robotics-automation field by attending local meetups and industry events. These gatherings are where the magic happens, and you might just rub shoulders with someone from Loughborough University or get insider tips on upcoming vacancies.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Create a portfolio that highlights your robotics projects, whether they're personal, academic, or freelance. Share this on platforms like GitHub or your personal website, as it shows potential employers, like Loughborough University, what you're made of and your hands-on experience in the field.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you're fresh out of university or still connected, don't underestimate your career services. They often have exclusive access to job fairs and employer networking events in technical fields like ours, so make sure you tap into those resources to discover openings at companies like Loughborough University.
✨Engage in Online Communities
Join online communities that focus on robotics and automation, such as forums or LinkedIn groups. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share insights. This not only builds your visibility but could also lead to direct connections at firms like Loughborough University, which might have the full-time role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in CANOPY, Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the robotics and automation field, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills on your CV. Include specific programming languages, software platforms, and any relevant robotics experience. Don’t forget to mention any projects or systems you've developed – this info can really make you stand out!
Portfolio Perfection:Having a polished portfolio can speak volumes for a role in robotics. Include any relevant case studies, designs, or prototypes you've worked on. If you've participated in competitions or hackathons, showcase these achievements as well – they show initiative and problem-solving skills!
Tailored Cover Letter Magic:In your cover letter, don’t just tell us that you love robotics—tell us why you’re passionate about automation specifically! Explain how your skills can contribute to Loughborough University’s projects and remember to connect your past experiences to what you'll be doing in this role.
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, such as in robotic process automation or machine learning, make sure they’re front and centre on your CV. These credentials show you're dedicated to your field and keep you up to date with industry standards – we love to see that!
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Showcase Your Technical Wizardry
For a role in robotics and automation at Loughborough University, it's crucial to demonstrate your technical skills. Be prepared to dive into specifics about the programming languages and tools you’ve used, like Python or ROS (Robot Operating System). Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and control systems, as these might come up during technical questions.
✨Bring Your Projects to Life
With a full-time position in robotics, you should have a portfolio of your projects ready to show. Whether it's a robot you built for a competition or a simple automation script, make sure you can discuss the challenges you faced and how you solved them. This hands-on experience is gold and shows you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Think Like an Engineer
Expect some problem-solving scenarios during your interview. You might be asked to design a basic automation solution on the spot or troubleshoot a robotic system. Practising these types of technical questions can really set you apart, as they require critical thinking and a systematic approach to tackle problems.
✨Culture Fit Is Key!
Don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit at Loughborough University. They might ask about your teamwork experience and how you handle challenges with peers. Be ready to share examples of working in diverse teams, as collaboration is often central to projects in robotics and automation.
