At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build innovative bio-inspired acoustic sensing technologies.
- Company: Join UCL's top-ranked Computer Science Department, renowned for research excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great benefits, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic research environment with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research and technology development.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields with strong hardware development experience.
The predicted salary is between 45103 - 46261 £ per year.
UCL’s Department of Computer Science (CS) is a top-ranked Computer Science Department in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) evaluation, UCL Computer Science was ranked second in the UK for research power and first in England.
The post will be based in Dr. Amir Patel’s research group, which develops bio-inspired sensing, robotics and field-deployable technologies for understanding animal movement and environmental signals. The project will be delivered in collaboration with Professor Beth Mortimer at the University of Oxford and UK project partners.
This post is part of the EPSRC-funded project “Nature’s Antenna: Programmable Webs for Low-Frequency Acoustic Sensing” (AcoustiWeb), which will develop a bio-inspired, low-power sensing node for estimating the direction of arrival of low-frequency sounds outdoors. The postholder will design, build and test mechatronic and electronic hardware for a piezo-tensioned acoustic sensing lattice, integrate low-noise sensing and embedded readout electronics, and develop signal-processing and calibration methods for pressure-particle velocity fusion, Self-ID/auto-retuning and field trials.
The salary range for this role is £45,103 - £46,261. Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £39,148 - £40,805 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.
The successful candidate will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in electrical or electronic engineering, mechatronics, robotics, control engineering, applied physics, mechanical engineering, acoustics or a closely related discipline, with a strong emphasis on practical hardware development. They will have demonstrable experience designing, building and testing mechatronic or electronic systems, ideally including sensors, analogue front-end electronics, embedded systems, PCB development, low-power instrumentation, acoustic/vibration measurement or related experimental platforms. Strong mathematical and signal-processing skills are essential, including the ability to analyse noisy sensor data, design calibration procedures and work with physical models of dynamic systems. Experience with firmware, MATLAB/Python, laboratory instrumentation, practical fabrication, field testing and open/reproducible engineering would be highly desirable.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits. Please visit here to find out more.
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality.
Research Fellow in Bio-inspired Mechatronic Acoustic Sensing employer: UCL
UCL’s Department of Computer Science is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in cutting-edge research. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide access to world-class resources and opportunities for professional development, all within the dynamic environment of London. Our dedication to diversity and inclusion ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered, making UCL a truly rewarding place to advance your career in bio-inspired mechatronic acoustic sensing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Bio-inspired Mechatronic Acoustic Sensing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to UCL or the project. Attend relevant events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your projects related to mechatronics and acoustic sensing. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities in a way that a CV just can’t capture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your technical knowledge and how it applies to the role at UCL. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in bio-inspired technologies and signal processing!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Bio-inspired Mechatronic Acoustic Sensing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in mechatronics, electronics, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about bio-inspired technologies and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills! Mention your experience with MATLAB, Python, and any hands-on work with sensors or embedded systems. We love seeing practical examples of your work!
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 to us directly and is considered promptly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of bio-inspired sensing and mechatronics. Familiarise yourself with the latest research in the field, especially related to low-frequency acoustic sensing. Being able to discuss recent advancements or challenges in the area will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to talk about specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job description. Highlight your experience with designing, building, and testing mechatronic systems. If you have examples of working with sensors or embedded systems, be ready to dive into the details and share your thought process.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions that assess your analytical and problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to analyse noisy sensor data or develop calibration procedures. Be prepared to explain your approach and the outcomes, as this will showcase your practical skills and critical thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or future directions of the research group. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
