The Faculty of Science and Technology at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway, has a temporary vacant researcher position. The position is open from May 2022 until June 2023. We are looking for a candidate with experience in robotics, automation or mechanical engineering.

The Robotics Group at NMBU has been working for some time in developing novel autonomous systems for agricultural purposes and has recently embarked on expanding its competence into automation for the food (specifically, meat) industry. This has been developed through research projects funded by the Norwegian Research Council, and most recently a €7.5 million H2020 European funded project, RoBUTCHER, involving 10 partners from across Europe. More information regarding the project can be found on its dedicated website, https://robutcher.eu.

The long-term goal of the research is the development of a robust, flexible and scalable cognitive robotics platform, generally referred to as a “Meat Factory Cell”. Automation in the food sector to-date is relatively inaccessible for low- and medium- volume producers. RoBUTCHER brings forward a new strategy which deviates significantly from current line-based production methods used in meat production.

The successful candidate will aide the project team in the final year of this exciting project, to deliver a functional prototype for demonstration in an operational facility with a project partner in Germany.

Main tasks

The candidate’s duties will be mainly associated with the project RoBUTCHER, although some flexibility to assist the team with its broader goals is expected.

The main duties involve:

• Development of solutions to ensure the effective operation of the robotics platform; this can include activities such as robot and software programming, mechanical design, installation, etc.
• Operation of the robotic platform during testing and demonstration.
• Engagement with project partners to ensure effective delivery of interoperable systems.
• International travel when the system is deployed to a partner facility in Germany. Travel may consist of extended periods abroad.
• Assisting the team with dissemination activities.
• Assisting the team with development of future projects associated with this initiative.
• Writing of (and contribution to) scientific articles for relevant high-quality peer reviewed journals, relating to the project developments and results.
• Contribution to scientific articles for relevant high-quality peer reviewed journals, relating to the project developments and results.

Competence

Required Academic qualifications:

• Master in robotics, automation or mechanical engineering
• Fluency in written and spoken English, which is the working language of the project.

The following academic qualification, experiences and skills will be emphasized:

• Phd in robotics, automation or mechanical engineering
• Research project experience, working both individually and as part of a team.
• Publication track record, with several good quality publications.
• Experience working with industrial robots, including programming, configuration and calibration.
• Experience working with mechanical design, CAD and production drawings would be an advantage.

Required personal skills:

• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent personal and time management skills
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office

Desired personal skills:

• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Problem solving attitude
• Positive work attitude
• Flexibility, and able to work under pressure with tight deadlines

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

Remuneration and further information

The position is placed in government pay scale position depending on qualifications:

• Code 1109 Researcher (with PhD), wage framework 24 (salary grade 62-70 (NOK 563 900 – 650 300
• Code 1108 Researcher (without PhD), wage framework 24 salary grade 54-62 (NOK 491.200- 563 900)

Position code 1108 or code 1109, the salary placement in accordance with agreement, depending on qualifications and seniority. The position follows ordinary meriting regulations.

For further information, please contact Dr. Alex Mason, Research Professor. Email: alex.mason@nmbu.no; phone: +47 91749792.

general Information to applicants

Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply for this job’ button above. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Application deadline: 29.04.2022

Up to ten publications selected by the applicant as most relevant must be attached to the application. If it is difficult to identify the contribution of the applicant in multiple-author publications, a short explanation about the applicant’s part of the work is suggested.

Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Realtek, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within 29.04.2022. Please quote reference number 22/01314.

About The Faculty of Science and Technology

The Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) develops research-based knowledge and educates civil engineers and lecturers needed to reach the UN’s sustainability goals. We have approximately 150 employees, 70 PhD students and soon 1500 students. The education and research at REALTEK cover a broad spectrum of disciplines.

This includes data science, mechanics and process engineering, robotics, construction and architecture, industrial economics, environmental physics and renewable energy, geomatics, water and environmental engineering, applied mathematics as well as secondary school teacher education in natural sciences and use of natural resources such as in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture. The workplace is in Ås, 30 km from Oslo.

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

NMBU has a particular responsibility for research and education that secures the basis for the life of future generations. Sustainability is rooted in everything we do and we deliver knowledge for life. NMBU has 1,900 employees of which about 300 phd scholarships and 6,700 students. The university is divided into seven faculties.

NMBU believes that a good working environment is characterised by diversity.

We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, functional ability, cultural background or whether you have been outside the labour market for a period. If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no.


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