Research Assistant

General Details

Position Code: Research Assistant.8800179
Position Type: Project Based (Fixed Term)
Position Duration: 01/04/2023  to 31/03/2024
Position Title: Research Assistant
Project Title: Vision-Guided Robotic Manufacturing
Project Supervisor: Dr Yahya Zweiri
Academic Department: Aerospace Engineering
Relevant Research Center: Advanced Research & Innovation Center (ARIC)
Technical Keywords: Industrial Revolution, Robotics, Neuromorphic Vision, Tactile Sensing, Automation, Autonomous Systems

About Khalifa University

Khalifa University is ranked 181st in the QS World University Rankings 2023, and the top University in the UAE, with a range of research and academic programs designed to address the entire range of strategic, scientific and industrial challenges facing our rapidly evolving world.

Its world-class faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities provide an unparalleled learning experience to students from the UAE and around the world. Our research and academic activities cover a broad range of disciplines in engineering, science and medicine through our three colleges.

Khalifa University’s research relates to key focus sectors of relevance to the UAE’s strategic economic growth and the technology platforms that serve as foundations for these sectors. The University’s research priorities are addressed in two categories — “verticals” and “horizontals” — which jointly cover specific industry and sector needs, technical platforms and expertise.

KU’s focus sectors are Clean and Renewable Energy, Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production, Water and Environment, Healthcare, Aerospace, and Supply Chain and Logistics. Research in these sectors is enhanced by our research platforms of Robotics, AI and Data Science, Information and Communication Technologies, and Advanced Materials and Manufacturing as well as Fundamental Sciences.

Position Overview

KU is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to work in the “Vision-Guided Robotic Manufacturing” project at the Advanced Research and Innovation Center in collaboration with STRATA Manufacturing. The aim of this project is to develop AI and Computer Vision algorithms to automate precise machining tasks involved in the production of aero-structures. In particular, the project focuses on the development of robotic solutions that perform a variety of tasks including: drilling, deburring, painting, riveting, and inspection. The scope of this project includes both the mechanical design of novel end-effectors for the afore-mentioned tasks, and the development of novel perception and guidance algorithms to enable full autonomous operation. The candidate is expected to work on mechanical design, system integration, computer vision and sensor fusion aspects of the project, and report progress in the form of technical reports and academic publications. As part of our, the candidate will also get the chance to deploy and test all developed systems and algorithms in production line in industrial settings.

As part of the project, the researcher will have access to state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities at the Advanced Research and Innovation Center (https://www.aric.ae/) and will get an opportunity to work alongside researchers and graduate students from various backgrounds as part of a wider team.

Position Requirements

• Develop novel end-effectors for different robotic machining tasks.
• Develop perception and guidance algorithms using different types of sensors including cameras, laser scanners, and Lidars.
• Research and investigate new technologies related to sensing and computer vision.
• Integrate the developed algorithms and systems into robotic platforms.
• Support the deployment of the developed systems into the production line.
• Publish the research findings in reputable conferences and journals.
• Support graduate and undergraduate students conducting relevant research projects.
• Adhere to the University's information security and confidentiality policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Line Manager

Qualifications

Candidate Profile

Essential Criteria

• Bachelors from a reputable university in Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• Experience in developing and deploying fully autonomous robotics systems.
• Experience in programming with: Python, and C/C++.
• Experience in Computer Vision and robotic manipulation.
• Experience in ROS.
• Experience of undertaking assigned research tasks and starting to manage own workload
• Contributing to scientific papers and academic journal articles where possible acting as lead/ corresponding author
• A willingness to contribute to a collaborative and supportive team culture
• Excellent English language communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to function as part of a team working on multiple tasks with competing demands and deadlines
• Well-developed reasoning and problem-solving skills

Desired Criteria

• Bachelors gained from and/or experience working in a top 200 QS or THE ranked University
• At least 1 year of relevant experience as a researcher in academia or in industry
• Experience contributing to high impact publications in top 10% journals in the relevant field

Should you require further assistance or if you face any issue with the online application, please feel to contact the Recruitment Team (recruitmentteam@ku.ac.ae).

Primary Location: Abu Dhabi UAE
Job: Research Assistant
Schedule: Regular
Shift: Standard
Job Type: Full-time