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.

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
- ** 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**
- 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)
- Profici