Research Associate (Robotics Living Lab)

Are you passionate about reshoring fashion manufacturing to the UK and advancing sustainable, zero-carbon production methods? Join an innovative two-year project alongside world-class partners, including Professor Postlethwaite, Director of the Robotics Living Lab, Bennetts Associates, Martyn Evans, Creative Director at LandsecU+I, and Global Chair Jalaj Hora. Together, we aim to design and develop a groundbreaking Micro Factory in a Box that sets new standards in agile, small-scale manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Micro-Factory Proposal Development: Collaborate with stakeholders to design end-to-end workflows—from fabric cutting to garment assembly—and assess the ideal scale and equipment layout for a micro factory, focusing on sustainability and adaptability.
• Feasibility Study: Work with Bennetts Associates, LandsecU+I and Global Chair Jalaj Hora on a high-level feasibility study for the micro-factory concept, aiming to develop a UK-fabricated, zero-carbon, modular design that can be disassembled for recycling or reuse.
• Extensive Research: Conduct a literature review, develop case studies through site visits to existing micro-factories, and assess the impact of UK and international legislation on reshoring fashion manufacturing.
• Digital Portfolio Creation: Build a digital portfolio documenting the proposed micro-factory scale, funding opportunities, investment potential, and viability of reshoring/nearshoring.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, MetroPolis, and other key entities, attending RoLL Program meetings and contributing to strategic decision-making.

Candidate Profile:

• Academic Background: Master's degree or equivalent experience in fashion design, production, or a related field.
• Skills and Experience: Demonstrated economic literacy (e.g., experience running a small business), knowledge of rendering tools (e.g., 3D/2D CAD, 3D modelling), and a willingness to learn collaborative robotics and other manufacturing tooling.
• Attributes: Highly proactive, adept at building stakeholder relationships, and familiar with UKRI and other funding sources.
• Flexibility: Ability to travel both domestically and internationally, comfortable with hybrid working arrangements, and ready to use PPE as needed for factory visits.

Benefits:

• Be part of the pioneering Fashion Technologies Research Group.
• Engage in industry symposia and an external speaker program.
• Opportunity to apply for follow-on funding to advance feasibility studies and future RoLL projects.
• Collaborative, inclusive environment supporting joint applications and job sharing.

If you're driven by innovation in sustainable fashion and are eager to shape the future of UK-based production, apply now to join our team in delivering a transformative micro-factory model!

To apply please attach your CV and covering letter.

This is a 2-year fixed-term contract.

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Advert information