Research Fellow in Soft Magnetic Surgical Robots(UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

Role Overview

The University of Leeds is seeking a proactive and innovative Research Fellow to join the Science and Technology Of Robotics in Medicine (STORM) Lab. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in surgical robotics, focusing on the development of soft, compliant robots designed to improve patient outcomes in soft-tissue surgery and flexible endoscopy.

The post is funded by a grant from ARIA, supporting the development of a new generation of soft magnetic robots that can be guided inside the human body by external magnetic fields and deployed for minimally invasive neural interventions.

Key Responsibilities

Design, model, and manufacture soft magnetic surgical robots.

Develop and test intelligent soft robotic devices under controllable magnetic fields and field gradients.

Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of roboticists, engineers, and clinicians.

Conduct experimental validation of robotic systems in realistic anatomical models.

Contribute to high-quality research outputs, including publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Support knowledge transfer and collaboration with clinical partners to enhance patient care.

Candidate Requirements

PhD or equivalent experience in Robotics, Mechatronics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.

Strong background in soft robotics, magnetic manipulation, or surgical robotics.

Experience with modeling, fabrication, and testing of robotic systems.

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team.

Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Benefits & Opportunities

Flexible working arrangements may be considered.

Opportunities to work with a world-leading team of researchers and clinicians.

Potential eligibility for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship or Global Talent visa for suitable international candidates.

Application & Enquiries

For further information or informal enquiries, please contact:
Professor Pietro Valdastri, PhD – Chair in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on patient care through the development of next-generation soft surgical robots.