Research Software Engineer (Robotics and Autonomous Systems)

Role Description

Department

The Computer Science department at the University of York enjoys a distinguished reputation in the fields of teaching, research, and industry engagement. It is home to the recently established Centre for Assuring Autonomy (CfAA) that is building on the work of the Assuring Autonomy International Programme which pioneered approaches to assuring robotics and autonomous systems and their machine learning (ML) components. CfAA is working with an international community of developers, regulators, researchers and others to ensure that the public benefits from the safe, assured and regulated introduction and adoption of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) across multiple domains. 

CfAA is housed in the Institute for Safe Autonomy building with excellent experimental facilities, including a large robotics test space and labs dedicated to evaluating human-system interaction.

Role

To support ongoing research projects, CfAA is seeking a Research Software Engineer (RSE). You will work with colleagues in developing and validating novel systems and software architectures that support the assurance of safety for RAS. You will develop robot platforms and simulations and build on our existing prototypes. This role is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary team, developing and validating innovative products and producing interdisciplinary solutions for safe autonomy. You will enhance the research, and related activities of the group drawing on your own expertise and that of your colleagues. In addition to strong software development skills, you will need to interpret requirements from different stakeholders and creatively solve problems. In this role, active participation in CfAA research projects is anticipated, with an additional expectation to contribute to scientific publications and demonstrations. Support will be provided by senior colleagues in CfAA.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• First degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related subject 
• PhD or equivalent experience in robotics and autonomous systems, or a related discipline,
• Research expertise in an area that will complement and enhance the department's research strategy and goals
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of current software engineering practices for RAS (ideally including knowledge of Agile frameworks and practices)
• Proven experience in software development in multiple languages: at least one of Python, Java, and/or C++
• Knowledge of RAS frameworks, simulations and applications software, such as ROS2 and Gazebo
• Knowledge of algorithms for robot autonomy (e.g. perception, mapping, planning, navigation)
• Ability to learn and adapt safety analysis and assurance techniques 
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media.
• Ability to work with colleagues to understand requirements and translate them into a technical specification
• Collaborative ethos

Interview date: 13 May 2025

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Victoria Hodge (victoria.hodge@york.ac.uk) or our HR team (cs-hr@york.ac.uk).

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork