Researcher in Collaborative Robotics and Human Machine Interaction

BOF-86 Researcher in Collaborative Robotics and Human Machine Interaction for Industry 4.0

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Role Description

The Wireless Sensor Network Group (WSN) at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork is currently advertising for the position of a Postdoctoral Researcher in Collaborative Robotic Systems in Industry 4.0.

The Tyndall National Institute is a world leader in the development of Smart Sensing systems for use in the body, on the body and around the body. Working closely with a global range of academic, business and clinical partners, our technology is under evaluation by several multinational corporations and is approaching market readiness in a number of areas. 

As part of the SFI Centre CONFIRM – Centre for Smart Manufacturing, the Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) group at Tyndall has secured funding in the development of Collaborative Robotics for “Industry 4.0”. These systems will leverage our core strengths in Information and Communications Technologies to develop the next generation of Industry 4.0 technologies for use in a manufacturing environment.

Collaborative Robotics as part of Industry 4.0

Collaborative robots (cobots), robots able to safely share the same working space with their human co-workers, have intrinsic high task flexibility and scalability with reduced commissioning costs (e.g. minimal training, minimal impact on the existing site layout) respect to classic automation. This is particularly attractive to SMEs which can finally access smart automation within their investment capability. Moreover, collaborative robotics aims to bring the human operator back to the centre of the industrial revolution, where smart systems are used to support and relieve humans in a synergetic and holistic approach. If successful, this revolution will change how automation is employed in industry and other fields, such as healthcare and households, with creation of new jobs and services as a result of the increased productivity and scalability, while advancing workers’ safety and wellbeing.

Reporting to the Project/program managers, the successful candidate will work with a team of multi-disciplinary researchers with expertise in Collaborative Robotics and Industry 4.0 technologies. The WSN Group is comprised of engineers, researchers and postgraduate students with various levels of experience and qualifications.

Specific activities for this position will include applied Industry 4.0 relevant research, research proposal writing, student supervision, travel to international conferences, workshops, industry meetings, proposal project meetings and dissemination of the group’s activities in high impact journal and conference publications as well as Education and Public Engagement activities.

Key Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will carry out research in Smart Manufacturing Technologies, specifically in the area of Collaborative Robotics and Human Machine Interfacing, Ergonomics etc.
• Reporting to the Team Leader of the Industry 4.0 Team and Group Head, the candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day applied research and technical project management of research projects related to Smart Manufacturing
• Work with international partners to form new international research collaborations
• Be responsible for growing the Industry 4.0 team, attracting talented new team members and expanding the team to add new research capabilities and infrastructure development
• Ensuring the successful completion of research projects in terms of technical deliverables, publications and dissemination of results
• Publish in Tier-1 journals and conferences in the field of Smart Manufacturing and Human Machine Interfacing
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post

Essential Criteria

• Minimum requirement of a PhD in Electrical/Electronic/Biomedical engineering
• Domain Expertise in artificial intelligence techniques and their applications in industry/medicine
• Key skills required include Matlab/Python for data analytics, experience with optoelectronic and/or inertial-based motion capture systems, experience with multi modal data acquisition systems (inertial measurement units, EMG, etc.)
• Knowledge of Robotics technology and their applications in industry/medicine

Desirable Criteria

• A demonstrated track record in the development of Human Machine Interfaces and Industry 4.0 technologies is a desirable requirement
• The successful candidate will be highly analytical and motivated with good interpersonal and organizational skills and be self-managed and achievement oriented
• High levels of initiative, self-management, achievement-orientation, and motivation are desirable
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and interpersonal skills
• Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results
• Project Management skills are a desirable requirement including, project management, scheduling capability, report writing, documentation and communication skills for interaction with internal and external partners are desirable
• Experience in research proposal writing

This is a full-time  Postdoctoral Researcher opportunity in the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, initially for 15 months with the possibility of extension subject to funding and performance.

Appointment may be made on the IUA Scale for Post-Doctoral Researchers €39,522-€46,906 pa.  Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

For further queries please email Dr Brendan O’Flynn at brendan.oflynn@tyndall.ie or Dr Matteo Menolotto at matteo.menolotto@tyndall.ie.

Application Instructions

Step 1 - Please click here to download the Application form and indicate the Job Reference BOF-86

Step 2 - return the completed application form, together with your cv and motivation letter to careers@tyndall.ie. 

Handwritten forms will not be accepted.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.