SICSA continues to grow as a world-class pool of researchers in Informatics and Computing Science and there are a range of vacancies occurring regularly across the SICSA member Universities.
This page also features vacancies from industrial employers seeking to recruit graduates in Informatics and Computing Science. Please note that all applications to external vacancies (outside SICSA) must be made directly to the advertising institution or organisation and not via SICSA.
Research Associate in Human Robot Interaction
Closing Date: 9 April 2023
Location: Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
Salary: Grade 7 (£35,308 – £43,155)
Start Date: 1st June 2023 (to be discussed at the interview)
End Date: 31st December 2025
Hours: Full Time (35h)
Contract Type: 2 years
Interviews will be held online and in person on week commencing 17th of April. Start dates will be agreed from May 2023 or as soon after.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.
Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry.
Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland’s most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort.
Detailed Description
The National Robotarium, located at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, is a world-renowned hub for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. It is home to cutting-edge research and innovation labs across three core areas: Robotics & Autonomous Systems (RAS), Human Robot Interaction (HRI), and High Precision Manufacturing. Our uniquely flexible facilities allow industry partners in healthcare, agriculture, construction, and other economic sectors to collaborate with experts in Robotics and AI to develop technologies and carry out challenge-based innovations that can move rapidly from laboratory to market.
As a Research Associate, you will be joining the Interactive and Trustworthy Technologies (https://ittgroup.org/) research group at the National Robotarium, where you will have the opportunity to work on exciting HRI projects. You will be part of a team that is at the forefront of developing innovative HRI technologies that can revolutionize the way humans interact with robots in a wide array of application areas, alongside interdisciplinary teams that include experts in engineering, and computer science, among many others. By joining our team, you will have the chance to work on projects that have a real-world impact and contribute to shaping the future of HRI.
This position will in the first instance work on the EPSRC project titled “FEATHER”. You will focus on how to design the regular interaction with a social robot with conversational skills to facilitate the recognition of a UTI, which otherwise cannot be extracted by other means.
Duties & Responsibilities
In general, to support the project leader at HWU of the Feather project in achieving the goals of that project, under her direction.
• Undertaking a specific role in the research project under supervision
• Taking responsibility for some elements of the planned research
• Planning and carrying out a work programme appropriate to the research activity
• Developing own research portfolio in related areas
• Contributing to the writing of research grants
• Contributing to dissemination and publication of research teams findings as appropriate.
• Contribute to learning and teaching through activities such as project supervision, tutoring and marking (limited to no more than 10% on an annualised basis).
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
Find out more about the position on the original job page.
The Data Lab PhD Placement Programme
Closing Date: Rolling Call/Applications will be accepted at any time.
This programme is open to PhD students across Scotland studying in data and AI-related fields to undertake a short placement with industry partners. There is funding available to provide up to 50 industry placements for PhD students in Scotland over the next two years.
It is a unique opportunity for students to apply their academic expertise in a work environment (placements available will be across sectors) and for organisations to benefit from access to these skills with resources providing a dedicated focus to the chosen project.
Examples include:
- Working on a Proof of Concept,
- Contributing to a Research Paper,
- Overcoming a business problem using data
Industry placements – Information for organisations
We are looking to partner with start-ups, SMEs and larger organisations from all areas of industry – private, public and third sector – to scope out interesting data science projects to match with PhD students.
The placements will typically provide organisations with up to 10 days of access to a suitable PhD student who would carry out a short project or piece of research for them (on a continuous (2 week) or intermittent (up to 8 week) basis). We will work with host organisations to help shape a suitable project and ensure that a relevant student is matched to your chosen project.
The students will be employed and paid for their time. There is no financial cost to the organisation or requirement to employ the student in order to participate in the programme.
Organisations based in Scotland are welcome to register their interest to discuss a potential research project or opportunity:
The Data Lab PhD Placement – Project Proposal Form
Alternatively, please email our Placement Coordinator Cheryl Stewart for further information.
