Location: SAMS, Oban
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, until 31st March 2025 (with potential for extension)
Working Pattern: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Salary Range: £35,333 - £39,745 per annum (starting salary will depend on applicable experience)
Introducing the Scientific Robotics Academy at SAMS
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is developing a Scientific Robotics Academy on its campus, near Oban, in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. SAMS is emerging as a centre of excellence in the use of marine and airborne robotics to deliver cutting-edge environmental research. The Oban area is also attracting significant UK investment in robotics, such as a new drone technology hub at Oban Airport, due to its unique balance of road and rail accessibility whilst being a gateway to the Hebridean Islands and the Atlantic Ocean. Empty airspace and pristine sea lochs make Argyll a unique place for robotics students to develop their skills.
The Scientific Robotics Academy teaches established and developing environmental scientists the skills and capabilities of these emerging technologies. The Academy has a parallel role of introducing robotics engineers to the future needs of the Global Observation community, and the challenges facing the design of robust instrumented platforms.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Role
The aim of this position is to provide core engineering expertise, taking overall responsibility for robotic hardware and relevant software within the Academy. The role will involve design, acquisition, sensor integration and testing of systems; design of training materials; and delivery of short training experiences for collaborators and customers.
Our mission for the Academy is two-fold. Firstly, we shall train the next generation of environmental and climate scientists in the capability and use of autonomous instrumented platforms. Secondly, we aim to teach the present generation of engineers in the needs, desires and challenges of the marine science community who monitor the planet.
The underlying role of this post is to be the core engineering expert in this team, bridging ideas and language between science and technology and transferring that knowledge to students, collaborators and customers.
This post will sit within the Scottish Marine Robotics Facility at SAMS and will work closely with SAMS Enterprise, the wholly owned commercial subsidiary of SAMS.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are seeking an ambitious robotics engineer with experience in the design and construction of systems to meet defined environmental challenges. You will be able to convey theory and practice to a range of non -specialist audiences and other qualified engineering professionals.
As a highly motivated self-starter, with experience in using and building autonomous systems for environmental research applications, you will become central to a knowledge-exchange team working to bridge links between the next generation of environmental scientists and existing robotic engineering professionals.
A willingness to embrace team working is essential. You will be flexible and motivated to deliver to customer requirements. You will have an eye for detail and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
What do we offer in return?
Looking for a change in lifestyle or location? We are based on the beautiful west coast of Scotland – within Argyll & Bute. In addition to your salary, we offer flexible working, a generous remuneration package including pension, holiday allowance, structured career development path, free on-site parking as well as occupational health & wellbeing support. In addition, our employee benefits package includes purchase of additional holidays, technology & smartphones, payroll giving, discounted shopping vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.
Additionally, SAMS encourages and recognises excellence among staff through various recognition and reward arrangements. We constantly develop and expand the benefits and offers for our colleagues.
SAMS offers a generous salary and pension as well as employee benefits package. We also have supportive policies to assist planned/unplanned absence and family leave.
Interested?
We would love to hear from you. If you have queries on the job and would like to talk these through before applying, please email these through, in the first instance, to Dr Phil Anderson - Philip.Anderson@sams.ac.uk
Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent electronically to recruitment@sams.ac.uk quoting Job Ref ‘D13/23.PA’ in the subject heading.
Closing date for applications is 23rd August 2023 – Interviews will be held by the end of August / start of September 2023.
Please note, candidates must have the rights to work in the UK already in place.
Full details on this vacancy can be found here: Scientific Robotics Academy: Senior Engineer - Job Description