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- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team in robotics and AI, focusing on innovative manipulation techniques.
- Company: The Intelligent Manipulation Lab at the University of Sheffield, renowned for its vibrant research ecosystem.
- Benefits: Tax-free stipend, access to world-class robotic platforms, and collaboration with industry leaders.
- Other info: Opportunities for publishing in top venues and excellent career development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in robotics research and develop skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong maths and programming background; experience with robotics is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Intelligent Manipulation Lab is recruiting a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team in January 2026. This position, hosted in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, offers access to an outstanding research environment, state‑of‑the‑art robotic platforms, and industrial partnerships in the UK and internationally.
We seek candidates with strong mathematical and programming backgrounds who are passionate about conducting world‑leading research in robotic manipulation, physical interaction, and AI for embodied intelligence.
Research Focus:
- Vision- and tactile-based prediction models for physical interaction
- Action-conditioned tactile forecasting and slip prediction
- Multi‑modal integration for robust control in contact‑rich tasks
- Reinforcement learning, MPC, and active exploration for manipulation
- Integration of large vision‑language models (VLMs) in robotic planning
You will work alongside a team with a strong track record of high‑impact research, including recent publications in Nature Machine Intelligence, IEEE ICRA, IROS, RA‑L, Robotics Science and Systems (RSS), Journal of Field Robotics, Springer Autonomous Robots, and Conference on Robot Learning (CoRL).
Candidate Profile:
Essential Requirements:
- First‑class or upper second‑class honours (1st or 2:1) undergraduate degree, or MSc with Merit/Distinction in a relevant field (e.g., Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Engineering)
- Excellent background in mathematics (linear algebra, probability, control, optimisation)
- Strong programming skills (Python, PyTorch, ROS)
- Demonstrated motivation to conduct research in robotics and AI
Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience with real robots (Franka Emika, UR5, tactile sensors)
- Familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS)
- Publications or strong thesis/project work in AI/robotics
- Experience in reinforcement learning, video/tactile prediction, or MPC
Funding and Eligibility:
The studentship covers home (UK) tuition fees and a tax‑free stipend aligned with UKRI rates. Exceptional international students with strong academic records (Distinction/Merit at MSc and 1st class BSc) and part‑funding to cover fee differences are encouraged to apply and will be considered competitively.
Why Join Us?
You will be embedded in a vibrant research ecosystem at the University of Sheffield, with access to:
- Sheffield Robotics and the CMI Theme in Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- World‑class robotic platforms, including Franka Emika, UR5, and Xela tactile sensors
- Opportunities for collaboration with leading UK and international industry partners
- Support for publishing in top venues and career development
Application Instructions
To express interest, please email the following to intel.manipulation.lab@gmail.com:
- Your CV (including academic qualifications, technical skills, and publications)
- A brief statement of research interests (max 1 page)
- [Optional but encouraged] A sample of your technical writing or publication
Application deadline: Rolling basis – early applications are strongly encouraged.
Contact: Dr. Amir Ghalamzan Esfahani
Email: intel.manipulation.lab@gmail.com
Lab website: intmanlab.com
YouTube: Intelligent Manipulation Lab – Open Robotic Lab
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World Models, Predictive Control and Foundation Models for Robotics employer: University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land World Models, Predictive Control and Foundation Models for Robotics
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty in the Intelligent Manipulation Lab. A friendly chat can give you insider info and show your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got projects or research that align with their focus areas, don’t hesitate to share them. A portfolio or GitHub link can really make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview! Brush up on relevant topics like reinforcement learning and predictive control. Being able to discuss these confidently will show you’re ready to dive into the research.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace World Models, Predictive Control and Foundation Models for Robotics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your academic qualifications, technical skills, and any publications. We want to see what makes you stand out, so don’t hold back!
Nail Your Research Statement: Keep it concise and focused – one page max! Share your research interests and how they align with our work in robotics and AI. Show us your passion and motivation; we love that!
Show Off Your Technical Writing: If you have a sample of your technical writing or a publication, include it! It’s optional but highly encouraged. This gives us a glimpse into your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
Apply Early!: We’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the better! Head over to our website to submit your application and join our exciting research team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mathematical concepts and programming skills, especially in Python and PyTorch. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects or research, as this will show your genuine interest and capability in the field.
✨Show Your Passion for Robotics
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for robotics and AI. Share specific examples of projects or experiences that ignited your passion. This will help the interviewers see that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely excited about the work you'll be doing.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to reinforcement learning, multi-modal integration, and predictive models. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this demonstrates your understanding and ability to communicate effectively with the team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the lab's current projects or future directions. This shows that you're engaged and interested in contributing to their research, plus it gives you a chance to assess if the lab is the right fit for you.