PDRA or Research Assistant Circular Robotic Manufacturing

Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

Full Time, Fixed Term for 22 months

Research Assistant in Circular Robotic Manufacturing: Specialist and Supporting Academic Research

Grade 5: £29,588 - £34,610

or

(PDRA) Research Associate in Circular Robotic Manufacturing: Specialist and Supporting Academic Research

Grade 6: £35,608 - £46,049

Office based role

Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.

About the University

Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society.

At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better.

Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Graduate Research Assistant or Post-Doctoral Research Associate with strong interest in Circular Economy, Robotics, AI and vision systems, sustainability, remanufacturing and recycling to work on an exciting project which aims to develop a whole system circular approach to the design, use and end-of-life management of industrial robots.

The postholder will be based at the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University campus and will lead work on developing a circular economy framework for disassembly, refurbishment, remanufacturing or material recycling of end-of-life industrial robots, supported by AI-based life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) models.

You will have a BSc, MSc or PhD degree or equivalent in mechanical, manufacturing, electronic, robotic control engineering or any relevant discipline.

You will have regular interaction and collaborate closely with the project’s team of researchers together with an integrated academic and industrial project team to develop new learning and to disseminate the project findings.

Why should you Apply?

With a huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for growth and development.

If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Shahin Rahimifard (***email_hidden***)

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

Our Benefits

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 those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.

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.

Application Process

For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments, you’d like to request please contactProfessor Shahin Rahimifard. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.

Closing Date: 27/07/2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed