At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative polymer composites for robotic skin to enhance robot dexterity.
- Company: Join Imperial College London, a top global university driving scientific innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaboration with international experts, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic research environment with a focus on inclusivity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of soft robotics and make a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: PhD or relevant degree in Engineering or Materials Science; creative problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34335 - 41965 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant / Associate post in multifunctional soft composite materials, part of the MagTecSkin project. MagTecSkin is one of the 10 projects funded by the ARIA (UK Advanced Research + Invention Agency) Robot Dexterity Programme, and is a collaboration with University College London, INESC Microssistemas e Nanotecnologias (Portugal) and Universidad de O'Higgins (Chile).
Tactile sensitive soft electronic skins have great potential to increase robot dexterity in unstructured and semi-structured environments, especially when challenging objects (e.g. delicate, deformable, damp) have to be handled. Despite the recent progress in the field, current tactile sensitive skins into robots still present a number of significant challenges. The key performance parameters that this project will address are:
- Sensitivity to deformations and forces,
- Repeatability,
- Sampling rate,
- Coverage area,
- Spatial resolution, and
- Temporal resolution.
What you would be doing:
You will develop novel stretchable conductive polymer composites to be integrated in robotic arms as magnetic tactile sensing skins. In this project, you will:
- Review the literature on the potentials and limitations of polymer and polymer nanocomposites for soft robotic skins;
- Select the most suitable materials (e.g. thermoplastic elastomers and conductive particles) and manufacturing method;
- Prepare and test smart polymer nanocomposites films for mechanical, electrical and sensing properties and benchmark it against state-of-art;
- Integrate the smart polymer nanocomposites manufactured and tested in a robotic hand.
What we are looking for:
- Research Associate: Hold a PhD in multifunctional polymer composites or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research experience.
- Research Assistant: A first / masters degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.
- Expertise in materials selection, manufacture and characterisation of multifunctional polymer composites.
- Creative problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people.
What we can offer you:
- Shape the future of Soft Robotics.
- Closely collaborate with top international academic research groups and Institutions.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to pursue science for the benefit of society.
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package.
Further information:
The post is available until 31 May 2027. We are hoping that the successful candidate will start her/his contract as soon as possible. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Emiliano Bilotti in the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College.
Job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don’t hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We’re here to help.
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated, should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
About Imperial:
Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.
As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network. This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture:
We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.
Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community. Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Research Assistant or Associate in Multifunctional Polymer Composites for Tactile Sensitive Rob[...] employer: SONICOM
At SONICOM, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our sector-leading salary and opportunities for professional development, making this an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in the field of mitochondrial medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant or Associate in Multifunctional Polymer Composites for Tactile Sensitive Rob[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at SONICOM. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at SONICOM. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at SONICOM. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at SONICOM to drive research projects forward.
