Research Associate to Develop Conversational Agents for Human-Robot Interaction

Location / Campus: South Kensington, London Campus - Hybrid 

The Biomechatronics Laboratory at Imperial College London (https://www.biomechatronicslab.co.uk) is looking to appoint multiple researchers to support the development of social robotics, natural language processing (NLP), wearable systems, and machine learning in the context of healthcare. 

The projects will combine machine learning with mechatronic fabrication and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop preventative care for people with a range of health conditions, using signal processing to collect and analyse data relating to movement and wellbeing.  

We are looking for researchers with a track record in Data Science, Mechatronics, Clinical Data Collection, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This represents a unique opportunity for a researcher with a strong research track record and experience in neural recording, stimulation, signal processing, and wearable systems. 

Due to the nature of this role, we will be shortlisting candidate as applications are received. We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy as soon as a suitable candidate has been appointed. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. 

­Duties and Responsibilities

• You will plan and carry out research in accordance with the project: Robotics to Enhance Independence and Safety as a part of the Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology Centre (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/uk-dri-care-research-technology/).
• You will collaborate with psychiatrists, neurologists and engineers to develop robot behaviour, conducting human-robot interface experiments to map voice activity in response to robotic engagement.
• You will develop a conversational agent to encourage psychosocial interactions with dementia patients.

Skills, knowledge and experience 

• You should have a PhD (or close to completing), in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
• Practical experience in a signal processing, programming, and/or neurorobotics is essential.
• You should have experience in testing and deployment of social robots and/or intelligent voice agents.
• Knowledge in app development and computer programming such as Python and C, C++ is desirable.

Key information:

There are multiple fixed term positions available, up to 36 months in duration.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £40,694 - £43,888 per annum.  

Queries relating to the position should be directed to Dr Ravi Vaidyanathan at r.vaidyanathan@imperial.ac.uk.  

Our preferred method of application is via our website. Please visit our website using the provided link for more information about the post and the application process. 

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Should you have any queries regarding the application process please contact ME-HR.Requests@imperial.ac.uk.  

Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment. We are an Athena SWAN Silver award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and work in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people. 

Closing date: 29^th May 2024

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