About the role
University College London (UCL) wishes to appoint a Research Assistant within the Autonomous Manufacturing Lab ( AML) The post holder will be based at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction at the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, a world-leading faculty ranked #1 in the world for Built Environment studies and #1 in the UK for its research environment.
The post holder will support the integration and validation of aerial manipulation systems within the Autonomous Manufacturing Lab. The role focuses on assembling, configuring, and testing UAV platforms, payload interaction mechanisms, onboard sensing, and supporting software in controlled laboratory environments under UCL supervision.
The role will help ensure that integrated platforms are prepared, tested, and recorded to support ongoing research and development activities.
This is a fixed-term position until 31st March
About you
The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to the delivery of experimental aerial robotics activities by supporting hardware-software integration, supervised testing, system debugging, and technical documentation. They will also participate in departmental and faculty events, build collaborations across UCL, and engage in continuing professional development.
The appointee is required to have experience of working with UAV systems, robotics hardware, mechatronic systems, or related experimental platforms, with hands-on capability in assembling, integrating or configuring robotic or electromechanical hardware.
They will also have familiarity with ROS2, PX4 or comparable middleware, autonomy or control frameworks, alongside a working understanding of UAV dynamics, control, sensing or system‑integration principles. The successful candidate will be able to work harmoniously with staff and students of all cultures and backgrounds and possess excellent stakeholder liaison and/or public engagement skills.
Your application will be assessed based on how well the criteria set out in the person specification are met using examples to demonstrate this. Please read the Candidate Guidance document below.
A cover letter is required which addresses the criteria in the person specification.
For further details including a job description and person specification, please click ‘Apply Now’.
What we offer
Starting salary offered in the range of £39, - £41, per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
1. 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
2. Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
3. Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
4. On-Site nursery
5. On-site gym
6. Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
7. Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
8. Discounted medical insurance