The Mobile Robotics Group (MRG) at the Oxford Robotics Institute (ORI) in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford is seeking exceptional candidates for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) position. This role is funded by the EPSRC and is fixed-term until the 31st January 2026.

 

In this role, you will address core robotics perception and navigation challenges, enabling robots to operate robustly in complex, real-world environments. Your work will be integral to our EPSRC Programme Grant in Embodied Intelligence , focusing on advancing the state-of-the-art in robot navigation and learning, particularly in localisation and scene understanding under challenging conditions. Key applications of this research span logistics, agriculture, social care, and inspection.

 

Additionally, the candidate will be involved in our recently-awarded InnovateUK project, “A general-purpose configuration management system for highly configurable systems validated in automated logistics,” supporting the integration and testing of our partner’s configuration framework into our infrastructure-based robotics paradigm.

 

 Candidates should possess a PhD (or be near completion) in robotics or robot learning, with essential expertise in deep learning and a strong background in robot navigation. A solid publication record, familiarity with existing literature, and proven experience deploying navigation algorithms and machine-learning models on real-world robot platforms are required. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C++/Rust is also necessary.

 

For informal inquiries, please get in touch with Dr. Daniele De Martini at daniele@robots.ox.ac.uk. To apply, submit your application online, including a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with the position, a CV, and contact information for two referees. Only applications received before midday on the closing date will be considered.

 

Only online applications received before midday on the 23rd February 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, (describing how past experience fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.