Research-related jobs

In a world rapidly evolving with technological advancements, there’s an exciting realm: research-related robotics jobs.

Researchers are professionals who engage in robotics research, working towards pushing the state-of-the-art in robotics. These professionals are the explorers of the field, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Their primary role is to advance our understanding of robotics, developing new technologies and improving existing ones. They’re the thinkers and doers who lead us into the future. Most of the methods and algorithms used in robotics today (motion planning, motion control, machine learning for robotics, localisation, navigation etc) are the result of research outputs.

Such professionals can be found in academia/universities or in industry working for companies and organisations. A robotics researcher sometimes needs to undertake multiple roles and be knowledgeable of things robotics engineers do, but their job focuses mainly on conducting robotics research.

Although we include ‘research roles’ under their own category, you will find again further categorisation according to what you would like to focus on. For example, one could focus on Artificial Intelligence and robotic algorithms (such as motion planning) or focus on research specific to hardware design. Sometimes the two can blend, where your research requires the design of new innovative robotic hardware and breakthrough software to accompany it.

A researcher will identify research questions worth answering, review existing literature in the area (read many scientific articles), and propose new methods to answer these research questions. A researcher will usually publish academic articles of their findings in academic journals and conferences. The publishing of academic articles is what is considered as the contribution to knowledge, and it will typically be novel work.

What do robotics researchers do?

A robotics researcher will usually perform the following tasks:

• Read and be aware of state-of-the-art methods from academic literature (read academic articles related to robotics).
• Prepare robotic systems and integrate sensors to create an environment for experimentation.
• Propose and develop new methods to solve existing or new robotic problems, evaluate the methods in simulation and on a real robotic system.
• Contribute to knowledge by publishing academic articles of their results.
• Attend international academic conferences to present their work and learn the new state-of-the-art from fellow researchers.

What skills/qualifications are required?

We will discuss skills in more detail later, but a robotics researcher would typically require the following skills or qualifications, depending on the specific role, industry and focus:

• A doctoral degree (PhD) in Robotics or a related field (although not always required, it’s typically the case).
  • This follows that a PhD will usually be obtained after obtaining a major degree like Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, and in some instances after a master’s degree in robotics.
  • Researchers can still be employed without a PhD (especially in industry) but with a relevant research focused master’s degree in robotics.
• Experience with simulation and robotic modelling.
• Good knowledge of programming languages, relevant to robotics (C/C++, Python, Matlab).
• Good knowledge of mathematics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or computer science (depending on the research focus).
• Knowledge of fundamental robotic concepts: kinematics, dynamics, model identification.
• Knowledge of using, configuring and scripting a Linux operating system.
• Good writing skills and able to furnish manuscripts
• Good presentation skills.

What’s the difference between a researcher in academia and a researcher in industry?

There isn’t always a clear distinction, but typically researchers at a university are not required to deliver a product as a result of their research, and they focus on answering research questions and pushing the state-of-the-art. Researchers in industry may work on research that will immediately deliver a product for the company or the organisation.

Of course, there are exceptions. For example, certain companies employ researchers to perform research as like in academia, without a clear product in mind. Similarly, researchers at universities may conduct research that they then commercialise, either together with companies or by spinning-out a startup on their own.

Generally speaking, and at the time of writing, researchers in industry are paid more than researchers in academia. One may choose to stay in academia for other reasons beyond money and to pursue an academic position. Academia can offer the freedom to explore research questions you are interested in, and the chance to engage in teaching and student education.

Optional: What is the demand for robotics researchers?

There are multiple job opportunities for robotics researchers. It is highly recommended that you do some quick research on the following platforms to find relevant job opportunities for this role:

• LinkedIn Jobs
• Google Jobs
• Glassdoor

For each job listing, look at the must and good-to-have skills and, if available, the salary ranges. Do they pay well? If you find the role interesting, curate a list of the overlapping skills and rank them based on what you feel you lack most. Well done, you have a list of relevant skills to develop!

There are other roles and specialisations within robotics, which will be discussed in the next step.