Senior Project Manager for UKRAS STEPS Research Technician Strategic Technical Platform

University of Leeds

  • Leeds
  • £56,021-64,914 per year
  • Contract
  • Full-time
  • 14 days ago
Are you a passionate and experienced individual with a background in engineering project management? Are you seeking a fresh and exciting opportunity to take on a senior role in a new initiative aimed at transforming the UK ecosystem for research technicians in Robotics and Autonomous Systems?In this role, you will lead the implementation of all strategic operational aspects of UKRAS STEPS, playing a pivotal role in driving new initiatives and collaborations. With the support of a dedicated project support officer and an experienced leadership team, you will oversee the operations of this £1.9 million programme. UKRAS STEPS is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the personal specifications.The UKRAS Network has successfully brought together academics working in robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) across 37 universities in the UK. UKRAS STEPS aims to replicate this success for all technicians, laboratory, and facility managers working in RAS within the same network.As part of its mission, UKRAS STEPS will establish a dynamic, community-driven strategic technology platform that empowers individuals to develop their skills while fostering an inclusive community. This initiative aims to enhance the UK environment and support the delivery of world-class RAS research in the country.Key objectives include:
  • Enhancing Individual Technical Knowledge, Skills, and career development of RT in RAS in the UK;
  • Transforming the UK environment for RT through networking, shared knowledge, community driven activities, celebrating and publicising success, international collaboration, and national advocacy;
  • Delivering a flagship programme, that is professionally managed to be inclusive, ethical, programmatically sustainable, and environmentally conscious.
You will be based at the lab, University of Leeds, which currently receives direct funding exceeding £3 million from research projects with a cumulative value of
£20 million. Our research portfolio encompasses a range of projects, such as the development of robotic systems for inspecting and repairing urban infrastructure, as well as the manufacturing of robots, including world class robot . Current major externally funded projects include , , and Strength in Places funding which is associated with the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute ( ). The real robotics lab consists of 10 full-time academics and technicians,
10 post-doctoral researchers, and
20 PhD students, collectively contributing to the vibrant and dynamic research environment.What we offer in return
  • 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
  • Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary.
  • Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
  • Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
  • Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available. And much more!
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:, School of Mechanical EngineeringTel: +44 (0)113 343 2156 or email:

University of Leeds