The Royal College of Art is the UK’s only entirely postgraduate institution of art and design, dedicated to teaching, research and knowledge exchange with industry. The RCA has been ranked the number one university-level institution for art & design, internationally, for the eighth consecutive year according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Small Scale Robotics. This is a full time (flexible) and fixed term post until 5th July 2024.
Purpose of the Post:
Efficient navigation in dynamic and unknown environments is one of the fundamental challenges in mobile robotics. We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher to support the Principal Investigator in the research project – “Small Scale Design Robotics”. The project focuses on modelling and optimisation of robotics navigation in a dynamic environment using AI-powered digital and physical twins in collaboration with the RCA’s Robotics Group. You will be part of a dynamic team of experts in computer science and robotics responsible for design and development of a digital twin for training, simulation, and optimisation of multibody agents in different applications. The centre benefits from strong partnerships with domain industry partners, dedicated research labs and computing facilities, and comprehensive tech-focused training courses that are available to the post holder through their appointment.
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate at least one of the following: PhD in a relevant field (computer simulation, machine learning, robotics etc.) or equivalent level of experience in a different sector or a Masters degree and significant experience in research projects. In addition, you will have experience of collaborative projects, preferably involving HE/industry collaborations in machine learning and agent-based modelling with proficiency with programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Python) and knowledge of AI-enabled simulation toolkits (e.g., gym, ml-agent).
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- To undertake high-quality, rigorous, and (where relevant) collaborative research which lead to robust research outcomes for this project.
- To develop personal research objectives and interests that align closely with wider project plans, working with the PI to ensure these are in line with the strategic direction of the project, the Centre and of the College as a whole.
- Where appropriate, to prepare and submit funding proposals in collaboration with Centre team members to UK and international research funders, industry partners and other funding sources, to support the Centre’s research agenda and the post-holder’s own research career development plans.
- To produce and disseminate research outputs that are effectively shared with the world through appropriate channels (for example books, peer-reviewed journals, conferences) to the discipline.
- To support communication of research outcomes to a wide variety of audiences, including through public engagement, tailoring content and style to a broad range of specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- To participate in relevant academic, industry, government and policy networks as appropriate, presenting the work of, and representing the project or Centre as relevant.
- To participate in project and Centre team meetings and activities, events and workshops, contributing ideas for development, delivery and promotion of projects.
The successful candidate will be required to spend time in Hong Kong at least once a year for the employment period.
Closing date for applications is Midnight on: 21st August 2022