At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team to advance robotic systems and modelling.
- Company: University of Bath, renowned for its innovative research and diverse culture.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension schemes, professional development, and local discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive environment celebrating diversity and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in robotics while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
- Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion in relevant STEM fields; strong modelling and programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 39560 - 46970 £ per year.
About the role
We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to join our research team at the University of Bath, contributing to the ARIA-funded Robot Dexterity Programme. The project aims to advance the fundamental understanding, modelling and control of robotic systems, with a particular focus on developing new analytical and computational frameworks for dexterous soft robotic manipulators. The successful candidate will contribute to ground breaking research at the intersection of computational mechanics, robotics and intelligent modelling, working within a multidisciplinary team to bridge fundamental physical principles and practical robotic applications.
Key responsibilities include:
- High-fidelity computational modelling: Develop and validate advanced physics-based models of robotic systems, including nonlinear mechanics, structural dynamics, large deformation and multi physics interactions, using numerical simulation tools such as COMSOL, ABAQUS or ANSYS.
- Robotic modelling and dynamics: Investigate the kinematics, dynamics and actuation of robotic manipulators, particularly soft and continuum robots, and establish computational frameworks that capture their complex physical behaviour.
- Experimental validation: Design and conduct experiments to validate high-fidelity computational models of robotic systems, integrating experimental measurements with numerical simulations to assess model accuracy, investigate dynamic behaviour and support the development of robotic manipulation and control.
- Research collaboration and validation: Work closely with researchers in robotics, modelling and control to validate theoretical developments through simulations and experiments, contribute to scientific publications, and support the delivery of project achievements.
About you
You will have a PhD (or be close to completion) in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computational Mechanics, Applied Mathematics or a closely related field. Experience in robotics, finite element analysis, multi physics simulation would be particularly advantageous. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to an ambitious ARIA research programme, combining fundamental engineering science with the development of next-generation intelligent robotic systems. We are looking for a motivated researcher with a strong background in computational modelling and robotics, who enjoys tackling challenging engineering problems and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience:
- A PhD (or nearing completion) in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computational Mechanics, Applied Mathematics or a closely related STEM field, or equivalent relevant research experience.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience in high-fidelity computational modelling, particularly finite element analysis (FEA), nonlinear mechanics, structural dynamics or multi physics simulation.
- Experience using numerical simulation software such as COMSOL, ABAQUS or ANSYS, or equivalent computational modelling tools.
- A good understanding of robotic systems, including kinematics, dynamics, actuation and control.
- Strong programming and numerical analysis skills, preferably in MATLAB, Python or equivalent environments.
- Ability to conduct independent research, analyse complex technical problems and communicate findings effectively.
- Good interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary research team.
We welcome applications from candidates with diverse technical backgrounds who can demonstrate relevant expertise and a willingness to develop new skills.
Further information
The role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis with an expected start date of January/February 2027. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Professor Min Pan.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
What we can offer you
We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance.
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym.
- Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more.
- Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath.
- A family-friendly workplace.
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce.
- Relocation allowance.
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses.
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app.
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work.
Be Well at Bath
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:
- Staff support groups and networks.
- A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions.
- A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive.
Find out more about being at your best at Bath.
Closing Date: 04 Dec 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £39,560 to £46,970
Research Associate in Modelling and Robotics (SB14077) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
SETsquared Bath is an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant work culture that champions innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive professional development opportunities, generous benefits, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Located in the heart of Bath, our team enjoys a family-friendly workplace with a focus on wellbeing, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Modelling and Robotics (SB14077) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨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 University of Bath 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 University of Bath, 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 University of Bath.
✨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 University of Bath, which might have the full-time role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Modelling and Robotics (SB14077) - Bath, BA2 7AY
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 University of Bath’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 University of Bath
✨Showcase Your Technical Wizardry
For a role in robotics and automation at University of Bath, 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 University of Bath. 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.
