Lecturer in Automation and Robotics - Full Time, Permanent

Job reference: 0000216000

Date posted: 03/11/2022

Application closing date: 29/11/2022

Salary: £42,155 to £51,805 per annum (Grade 6)

Package: Excellent Benefits Package

Contractual hours: 35

Basis: Full Time

Job description
Edinburgh Napier University is the ‘#1 Modern University in Scotland’. An innovative, learner centric university with a modern and fresh outlook, Edinburgh Napier is ambitious, inclusive in its ethos and applied in its approach.

The School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment (SCEBE) has around 220 academics, and around 4,000 students, and delivers programmes with professional accreditations from the Institution of Engineering and Technology, The Chartered Institute of Building, British Computer Society and other accreditation bodies. We have excellent computing, engineering and construction lab facilities. SCEBE houses leading UK research centres in transport policy, cyber security, evolutionary robotics and sustainable construction. The school is based in the lively and exciting Merchiston area at the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland's inspiring capital.

SCEBE is delighted to offer a Lecturer position in Automation and Robotics. The successful candidate will join the Engineering research group and shall be expected to assist in developing our expanding portfolio of programmes and contribute to the growing international standing of our research. We are currently undertaking a review of all of our activities, so now is a great time to join and help shape our school's future. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate enthusiasm for fundamental research, for working with industry in applied research and in the development of teaching to enhance the employability of our graduates. There is plenty of scope for research collaboration within the University and beyond.

The Role:

Engineering and Mathematics subject group has a strong research expertise in energy, materials, manufacturing, design, mathematics, automation, robotics, in particular in the context of Industry 4.0. Our programmes include BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering, BEng Energy and Environmental Engineering, BEng Design and Manufacture (GA), MSc Advanced Materials Engineering, MSc Automation and Control and MSc Renewable Energy. Our programmes are accredited by the relevant professional body, such as the IET, IoM3 and Energy Institute.

In this role you will be expected to deliver excellent research in your area of expertise. Areas of desirable expertise include but are not limited to automation and robotics. You will be expected to be a competent academic capable of delivering high quality, student-centred teaching and learning that is underpinned by research able to support innovation.

You will be a member of our Engineering research group with:

• A research allowance of 30% of your time to expand your research – which can be increased further through external funding.
• Access to our staff development budget for travel to conferences and to establish collaborations.
• Extensive training and development opportunities through our Human Resources (HR) and Research, Innovation and Enterprise Office (RIE).
• Support for grant applications and post-award running of grants from professional services colleagues in the schools and the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Office (RIE).
• Opportunities to lead or join PhD student supervisory teams.
• Opportunities to contribute to the leadership of the research group.

This role will allow you to explore novel and emerging areas in Engineering, deliver excellent quality research papers and secure substantial external research funding.

You will be able to contribute to and build programmes and modules to support the expansion of the school’s teaching portfolio.

You will also have the opportunity to expand your industry connections through our existing networks and by visiting students on one-year industry placements and on our employer-based Graduate Apprentice programme.

Essential Requirements:

• A doctoral-level qualification or equivalent.
• Evidence of strong academic standing in research and teaching & learning.
• A sustained track record of internationally excellent quality output in the research area of Engineering appropriate for the level of lecturer.
• Appropriate level of experience in teaching and developing programme content in that area and of delivering excellent teaching in an engaging way.
• Experience in improving the effectiveness of the teams you have worked within.
• Commitment to the sustained and continuous development of the discipline.
• Evidence of excellent communication at all levels.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in PLC programming, software such as Factory IO and Siemens, autonomous robotics, sensor instrumentation and control interface with Siemens PLC system.
• Experience in programming Languages: IEC61131-3, LD, IL, ST, FBD & SFC.
• Experience in Mitsubishi robotic arm and industrial robotic programming.
• Experience in undergraduate and postgraduate programme leadership.
• National and international collaboration network in industry and academia.
• HEA membership or a strong willingness to achieve membership within 2 years of appointment.
• Chartered Engineer.
• A track record of securing external funding and support for research activity.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Islam Shyha (Head of Engineering and Mathematics).

For a full role profile and comprehensive list of duties, please click here.

Benefits we offer:

In return, we offer a great working environment where we support ambition, recognise achievement and offer an attractive benefits package. This includes a minimum of 46 days annual leave (including bank holidays), a generous pension scheme, professional development opportunities, discounted access to onsite sports facilities and a wide range of other staff discounts. For more information, please click here.

Further information:

Salary: £42,155 to £51,805 per annum (Grade 6)

Applications close at 11:59pm on 29th November 2022

Interviews will be held on week commencing 12th December 2022

The University is committed to inclusion, demonstrated through our work in respect of our diversity awards and accreditations (Advance HE's Athena SWAN Charter) and hold Disability Confident, Career Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status. More details can be found here