"Research Associate in Underwater Robotics"

Research Associate in Underwater Robotics

The University of Manchester - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Location:ManchesterSalary:£37,694 to £46,049 per annum, dependent on relevant experienceHours:Full TimeContract Type:Fixed-Term/ContractPlaced On:14th August 2025Closes:27th August 2025Job Ref:SAE-029476

Job reference: SAE-029476

Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum, dependent on relevant experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering

Location: Manchester

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)

Closing date: 27/08/2025

Contract Duration: 12 months

School/Directorate: School of Engineering

Main Responsibilities

The primary focus of this project is to design and deploy a robotic system for usage at one or more United Utilities sites. The water infrastructure in the UK is facing a perfect storm of rising costs, impacts of climate change and ageing assets. UU faces challenges ranging from surveys in Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres (DSEAR) zoned areas, to difficult asset inspections, to underwater sampling and identification of invasive non-native species (INNS) in our watercourses. While under significant pressure to reduce maintenance expenses, the age of some assets necessitates increased inspection and upkeep in the coming years. Robotics has the potential to ease this burden by enabling rapid and comprehensive asset inspections, precise automated sampling and underwater visual aids. Through these applications, robotics could reduce costs and improve H&S performance. Hence, there is a strong demand for robotics solutions within the water industry.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.