Job Description

About the vacancy:
We are excited to offer a unique opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Wearable Robotics. This position is based at the world-renowned Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) and forms part of the ambitious VIVO Hub project, which is a national initiative addressing the urgent challenge of restoring and maintaining mobility and independence in older adults and people with disabilities. The VIVO Hub brings together cutting-edge research in smart materials, bio-interfacing, actuation, control, and human-centred design to co-develop assistive technologies that function on the body, in the home, and in the community. You will focus on the real-world validation of wearable assistive technologies, from laboratory testing and living lab studies to multi-day trials in instrumented environments and in-home deployments. By joining our team, you will contribute directly to the translation of novel technologies into impactful health solutions. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers, clinical partners, and international stakeholders to develop and implement testing protocols, conduct user studies, and assess the performance, usability, and acceptance of VIVO technologies in real-world conditions.
About you:
You are a proactive and innovative researcher with a strong foundation in wearable systems and are currently in the final stages of completing a PhD in Robotics or Control Systems Engineering. Your academic journey is supported by a solid background in electronic or robotics engineering at the master's level. With proven experience in the development and validation of wearable exoskeletons, you bring a deep understanding of human-robot interaction and participatory design, particularly in clinical settings or involving older adult populations. Your technical expertise includes integration of wearable sensors for real-time monitoring and control, as well as the development and characterisation of cable-driven actuators using soft robotics principles. Your hands-on skills include schematic design, PCB layout and development, soldering and prototyping, and the use of 3D printing for the rapid fabrication of wearable structures. You are experienced in the safe integration of LiPo batteries in portable robotic systems, with careful attention to charging protocols and risk mitigation. You are proficient in programming with Python, C++, MATLAB, and have strong experience with ROS, alongside familiarity with R for statistical analysis. You have led and contributed to user trials and usability studies across lab-based and real-world settings, including clinical environments. Your experience covers experimental protocol design, preparation of ethical approvals, and data collection and analysis using both wearable sensor data and biomechanical tools such as VICON. You thrive in interdisciplinary environments and collaborate effectively with engineers, clinicians, caregivers, and international partners. Your strong communication skills and global research experience allow you to contribute meaningfully to complex collaborative projects. As a capable author of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and translational documents, you demonstrate both academic rigor and application-focused thinking. A creative problem-solver and independent thinker, you adapt quickly to evolving project demands and remain committed to delivering high-impact research that improves mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Where is this role based?
This post is based at our lively campus where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both our staff and students access to everything they need to succeed.
Why UWE Bristol?
We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in vibrant , our ambitions are to make a positive difference to our planet, transforming futures through actions and solving real world challenges.
We offer a wide range of including progressive pay rates, very generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.
Add your individuality to ours
UWE Bristol recognises the power of a .
We are proud to be part of a dynamic, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we're always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our stimulating and supportive community where we'll help you thrive.
We particularly encourage applications from global majority candidates as we are currently under-represented in this area, however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.
As a employer we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.
Further information
If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Carlos Cifuentes ( )
This is a full-time, fixed-term post until Dec 2030, working on 1 FTE.
UWE Bristol is a campus-based University, and it is important for our success and the delivery of an outstanding experience for our students that our campuses are dynamic and vibrant places to learn and spend time. This role is therefore campus based for all your time.
To ensure fairness and equity all salary offers will be made in line with the University's salary assessment guidelines and will be based on your relevant skills and experience.
Right to Work in the UK
The University has a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to work in the UK. You will therefore be required to provide evidence of this right, please refer to the for information on which documents are acceptable.
Please note that UWE does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.
We may be able to endorse international candidates without current right to work in the UK to obtain a to take up this post.
You may also wish to explore which will allow you to work in the UK.
Please note that UWE Bristol does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.
You may also wish to explore other visa options which you are eligible for which will allow you to work in the UK.
Advice to applicants
We'd love to hear from you - if you are excited about this opportunity please complete our application form as soon as possible.
Tell us how your skills and experience relate to the requirements of this role by describing how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the Person Specification section of the , and include specific examples wherever possible.
Once we have completed shortlisting we will let you know the outcome of your application by email, so please check your inbox for updates.

Skills Required