Research Fellow in Legged Robot Cognitive Navigation in Nature

About us

UCL’s Department of Computer Science (CS) is a top-ranked Computer Science Department in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) evaluation, UCL Computer Science was ranked second in the UK for research power and first in England.

The Robot Perception and Learning (RPL) lab (https://rpl-as-ucl.github.io), led by Prof. Dimitrios Kanoulas, develops planning and perception methods for legged robots that navigate in challenging and uncertain natural environments. The focus of the lab is on legged robots that might or not include manipulators and is part of the Intelligent Robotics Research Line at the new UCL East facility with over 30 robots and equipment in place.

This position is closely related to the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship RoboHike project (https://rpl-as-ucl.github.io/RoboHike), on “Autonomous Quadrupedal Robot Navigation and Hiking in Challenging Rough Terrains”. The purpose is to develop learning-based method s that allow legged robots navigate in challenging environments for inspection and intervention. Applications include vineyard mapping, mine exploration, and forestry.

About the role

The main purpose of the role is to conduct world-leading research on legged navigation, while driving translation of core research development into real-world applications. The results of this research are to be disseminated through oral presentations in seminars and at leading scientific conferences, written publications in conference proceedings, written publications in leading scientific journals, and other venues.

The role is On-Site First: working more than 80% of time on-site.

The salary for the role is UCL spine point 7.
The role is funded for 1 year in the first instance.

About you

The role involves conducting high-quality research on legged robot navigation, publishing in leading peer-reviewed outlets, and presenting findings at national and international conferences. The successful candidate will contribute to a vibrant research group, affiliated Centres, and Institutes by participating in seminars, public engagement, and teaching activities. Responsibilities include supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students, assisting in curriculum development, and contributing to departmental and faculty initiatives. The role also involves securing research funding, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and effectively communicating research outcomes to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
41 Days holiday: 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days (pro rata for part time staff)
Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme (pro rata for part time staff)
Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
On-Site nursery Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

Customer advert reference: B04-05765

Advert information