Research Associate in Mobile Robotics

The success of accelerating and embedding mobile robotics within horticulture relies on developing capable and robust navigation systems that enable robots to traverse and operate effectively across diverse agricultural and horticultural environments. This project aims to develop and deploy a low-maintenance yet reliable navigation and automated driving solution for robotic systems that face agriculture-specific challenges.

We are seeking to appoint a motivated and highly qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mobile Robotics to join the Loughborough University Centre for Autonomous Systems (LUCAS). This position is linked to two UKRI-funded projects on horticultural robotics (AREA-H) and orchard management (POME). You will join a well-connected and diverse research team at LUCAS, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for robotics research. The post provides an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise in autonomous mobile robotics, contributing to impactful applications in the agricultural and horticultural industries.

You will conduct independent and collaborative research in mobile robotics, manage your own academic and administrative activities, adapt existing and develop new robotic methodologies, design and implement algorithms, deploy and test on hardware platforms, and analyse data from various sources and field trials. More specifically, this role will involve one of the following directions:

• Developing multi-session SLAM techniques for complex, feature-sparse horticulture environments.
• Creating terrain-aware autonomous navigation systems for ground robots in complex farming environments.

These developments aim to enable consistent robotic operation and mapping throughout the year within dynamic and ever-changing outdoor environments.

You must hold or close to complete a Doctorate degree in Control Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Autonomous systems or a related technical field, or a MSc/MRes degree with substantial working experience in relevant fields. Demonstrated ability to program in C/C++, Python and/or MATLAB to a high standard, experience with state estimation and factor-graph algorithms and working experience with the Robotic Operating System (ROS), track record of publications preferably in robotics or control engineering themed journals are essential. Desirable qualifications include:

1. experience implementing Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms;
2. familiarity with sensor-based navigation and field trials of mobile robotic systems.

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

• Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme
• Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities
• Support for you and your family – on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options, and a range of family-friendly policies
• Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support
• Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.