Research Associate in Autonomous Systems

Salary: £35,116.00 - £45,413.00  per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 08 May 2025

The Role

Autonomy of Systems is an interdisciplinary field that combines knowledge from different modern research topics such as Robotics, Machine Learning, Sensor and Instrumentation and Embedded Systems.

You will work closely with Prof Nabil Aouf and his team on big research programs with major customers such as European Space Agency (ESA) and other industrial organisations, developing and validating algorithms related to Deep Learning for Perception, Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) for Autonomous vehicles (Space, Air and Ground). You will be required to develop innovative solutions from the theoritical concept to the real implementation of those solution on real hardware robotic systems. You will be required to write scientifically rigorous reports and research papers and present your work to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

More specifically you will work on the following areas:

• Vision based Deep learning GNC designs for autonomous vehicles (space, drones and ground vehicles)
• Deep Learning for Perception (Detection and Classification) for autonomous vehicles
• Explainability of Deep Learning algorithms
• Embedding algorithm in dedicated computing hardware
• Hardware in the loop implementation of the algorithm in dedicated robotic setups

You will be expected to develop algorithms and implement them to suit the objectives of the prestigious partners and other research organizations and industrials in the UK and across Europe. From theoretical development to embedded implementation to real validations of the concepts developed.  Responsible for the development the full pipeline of the proposed program of research.

You will have a PhD in engineering or computer science, and strong expertise in deep learning, robotics and embedded systems. You must be able to work in a systematic and rigorous way and be capable of managing day to day elements of the research and interacting with industrial partners.

This position is full time fixed term for the duration of 12 months.

For informal enquiries please contact Nabil.Aouf@newcastle.ac.uk

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 level of research role profiles . These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Key Accountabilities

• Research and Development: Collaborate with a team of researchers and industry partners to design, develop, and implement state-of-the-art intelligent and explainable deep learning algorithms for autonomous vehicles (space and air drones)
• Design and Instrumentation: Equipment and Instrumentation in the lab of bespoke autonomous space and air drone solutions with suitable sensors and embedded computing hardware
• Modelling: Develop and validate simulation models for autonomous space rendezvous and docking operations. Optimise and validate models through iterative hardware in the loop simulation and experimentation. Collaborate with domain experts including industry to ensure the relevance and applicability of your research
• Documentation and Reporting: Document research findings, methodologies, and codebase for reproducibility and knowledge dissemination. Contribute to research publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences and preparation of research grant application
• Teaching and Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues on interdisciplinary research projects and provide support for teaching activities within the School of Engineering as mutually agreed

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Strong expertise in deep learning and the explainability/pruning of models for autonomous vehicles applications
• Demonstrated experience working with autonomous space vehicle rendezvous applications
• Demonstrated experience in developing autonomous drone solutions. From instrumentation to embedding perception, guidance, navigation and control algorithms
• Demonstrated experience in embedded programming for autonomous vehicles
• Demonstrated experience in manipulating hardware in the loop robotic testing facility including industrial KUKA robotics platforms
• Expertise in ROS and other robotic simulation software (Pangu, Blender)
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a creative mindset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse research environment including industry partners
• A track record of research publications commensurate with career stage
• Willingness to travel for field data collection, collaboration with industrial partners, and presenting research findings at conferences and workshops

Desirable

• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360) for designing test rigs and components, particularly for 3D printing and other fabrication methods
• Experience with embedded electronics design and integration, including microcontrollers or dedicated computing hardware (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, Intel NUC)
• Proficiency in designing and developing custom PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) to support experimental hardware setups
• Hands-on experience with motion tracking systems (e.g., OptiTrack), including setup, calibration, and data acquisition for research applications

Attributes and Behaviour

• Ability to communicate scientific results to a broad or non-specialist audience
• Ability to work independently using own initiative and to meet deadlines
• Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings and working on joint research projects with industry
• Ability to set own research goals, be self-motivated and proactive
• Commitment to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant field such as engineering and computer science

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 28107