Research Associate in Physical Intelligence

Where curiosity becomes impact

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The University isn’t just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. Our people have helped create the modern world and are working on more ground-breaking technologies and practices. Join the University of Edinburgh and you’ll be making a difference to everything around you

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our students performance and wellbeing.

The successful candidate will conduct research at the interface of soft sensing, robotics, machine learning and signal processing, with the aim of developing physical intelligence for next-generation soft and embodied robotic systems. The research will involve developing sensing and perception methods that enable robots to understand their own body state and interactions with the physical environment, and integrating these capabilities into robotic platforms for extensive experimental validation.

The Research Associate will work within an interdisciplinary research team spanning sensing, robotics, electronics and artificial intelligence, and will be encouraged to develop and lead new research ideas arising from the ERC project.

• A PhD, or near completion of a PhD, in robotics, electrical/electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, biomedical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong research experience in at least two of the following areas: soft/flexible sensors, robotics, machine learning, signal processing, or embodied/physical intelligence.
• Experience in developing and experimentally validating sensing, perception or learning methods on physical robotic or mechatronic systems.
• A strong track record of research appropriate to career stage, together with excellent problem-solving, communication and collaborative working skills.

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

• Professional development and subject matter expertise
• Leading-edge research
• Excellent benefits and support
• Contributing to the work and purpose of the University

This post is full time (35 hours per week).  Due to the experimental nature of the research, the role will require regular on-campus laboratory work.

Click her to view the full job description  (opens in a new browser tab)

Please include the following documents in your application:

• CV, including a full list of publications
• Cover letter outlining your relevant research experience and explaining how your background aligns with the research areas of physical intelligence, soft sensing, robotics, machine learning and/or signal processing

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 5 October 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interview dates to be confirmed.

As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.