Project Description

Advanced manufacturing depends on data from many precision measurement systems and instruments. These need to provide data quickly with high levels of accuracy. More and more manufacturers are turning to the use of in process/on machine sensors and instruments to provide this data.

To address this hot topic, the research undertaken within this project will investigate a new way of collecting and analysing critical measurement data from multiple sources including on-machine sensors, process models and simulations, as well as traditional metrology lab data. The goal will be to allow different types of lower accuracy data to be combined in a beneficial way. For example, computer simulations of a machine, product, and process may be combined with sensors that monitor environmental conditions. In addition sensors used to make high speed measurements of parts during the manufacturing process itself will be used.  The objective will be to make it possible to combine slow but accurate data, with fast less reliable data, to produce enhanced accuracy fast measurements.

The project will be closely linked to the activities of The EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Intelligent Automation, and research will be primarily undertaken within the centres 400 square metres of dedicated lab space at Loughborough University; resources include several large industrial robot arms, state of the art machine vision and motion sensing equipment, and a wide range of sensing and metrology equipment. In addition the project will be carried out in collaboration with other academic institutions in the UK and EU, as well as a number of SME and large multi-national advanced manufacturing companies.

The data science research associate will support the project team by developing methods that allow multiple sets of different data types to be effectively combined in an optimal way. They will work closely with a second research associate who will be tasked with defining a framework for multi-sensor metrology systems. The data science research associate will also work with other project partners from industry to define a number of measurement data analysis issues that will form the focus for technology demonstrator projects to showcase the results of the research. 

Job Grade: Research Grade 6

Job Purpose

Required to conduct research into multi-sensor data fusion for industrial metrology. This will include activities related to sensor data acquisition and signal processing; the analysis of complex multivariate data; the implementation of machine-learning and self-optimisation techniques used to improve measurement system performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Research

The Research Associate will be primarily based in EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Intelligent Automation Engineering. The work entails, primarily, the following activities under the direction and supervision of Dr Peter Kinnell:

• To conduct and continually update a state-of-the-art literature review related to sensor data fusion, and data science in the context of industrial metrology.
• To investigate the fundamental data science challenges that must be addressed as part of a collaborative metrology system in which multiple data sources are fused together to give enhanced measurement capability. Conduct specification and investigation of key performance measures and other methods that may be used to assess the quality and performance of the created measurement system.
• Using the specified key performance measures optimisation techniques such as evolutionary algorithms, support vector machines or biologically inspired algorithms will be evaluated and developed to allow for system learning, adaptation and improvement.
• To write up technical reports and technical papers for publication of the results obtained and the generation of research posters and other publicity media. This may include traditional outputs in journals etc, but will also include other media such as website content, or the creation of other online media such as you-tube style videos etc.
• To plan, manage and conduct the work to agreed dead-lines.
• To set and monitor budgets with respect to expenditure on equipment, consumables and travel.
• To assist in guiding and training postgraduate research students.
• To assist in managing research projects.
• To assist in developing new lines of research and the writing of research proposals.
• To keep close contact with research sponsors and make technical presentations.
• To maintain confidentiality where appropriate and to ensure that intellectual property (IP) agreements are met.
• To identify and report new opportunities for IP generation.
• Where necessary, to spend short periods of time travelling in the UK and overseas.
• Travel to equipment suppliers and other organisations on an ad-hoc basis.
• To facilitate / help to organise and run workshops or project meetings.

Teaching

Teaching is not the primary purpose of this post and teaching load will be small relative to the typical load of a member of academic staff in the School, but the Research Associates will be expected to contribute to taught programmes and student projects, at any level, if appropriate and if requested to do so.

Other Related Activities and Functions

• To engage in training programmes in the University (e.g. through Professional Development) and elsewhere as required.
• To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably requested and that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post.

All staff have a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff are therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

All staff should hold a duty and commitment to observing the University’s Equality & Diversity policy and procedures at all times.  Duties must be carried out in accordance with relevant Equality & Diversity legislation and University policies/procedures.

We have a commitment to gender equality and support the Athena SWAN Charter.  We encourage women to apply for this position as they are under-represented.  All appointments will be made on merit.

Conditions of Service

The Research Associate position is available on a full time, fixed-term basis for 36 months. Salary will be on Research Grade 6, £28,132 - £32,590 per annum, at a starting salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The appointment will be subject to the University's normal Terms and Conditions of Employment for Academic and Related staff, details of which can be found at:

www.lboro.ac.uk/media/wwwlboroacuk/content/humanresources/downloads/acadrelatedcos_v1.pdf

Informal Enquiries 

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Peter Kinnell Lecturer in Metrology, Wolfson School of Engineering, Tel: +44 (0)1509 227146, P.Kinnell@lboro.ac.uk

To submit your application, please click on the "Apply through website" button.

Education/ Qualifications:

Essential

• A masters level in a relevant discipline, and be close to completing a PhD in any area relevant to the research topic

Desirable

• PhD in any area relevant to the research topic, with a back ground in engineering, computer science, or mathematics or equivalent experience. For example relevant topics may include:  

• Multi sensor data fusion;
• Industrial Metrology;
• Manufacturing Informatics;
• Industrial data science;
• Statistical data analysis 

Experience:

Essential

• The conducting of original research that can be, or has been published in high quality journals 
• Practical acquisition of data  from measurement systems, instrumentation, or sensors 
• Experience of computational modelling, mathematical modelling, applied Statistics, artificial intelligence or machine learning 
• Project planning 
• Competent IT/ Internet user
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills - both written and oral 
• Excellent team-working skills 
• Excellent research paper or report writing skills 

Desirable

• Project management/leadership experience 
• Working within an industrial  metrology setting 
• Experience of working with machine vision/visual inspection systems
• Experience of processing 3D point cloud data 
• Experience of implementing machine learning / self-optimization techniques
• A good broad knowledge of manufacturing technology and systems
• Track record in originating  and developing new ideas
• Relevant industrial experience in a manufacturing environment 
• Interest in sensors and measurement systems 

Skills and Abilities:

Essential

• Highly-motivated with the ability to set and meet deadlines appropriate to the progress of the project 
• Highly competent in computer based data processing, using  MATLAB or other appropriate specialist software

Desirable

• Competent writing code in C++ or C#, and MATLAB

Training:

Essential

• A willingness to undertake further training as appropriate and to adopt new procedures as and when required 

Desirable

• Proven track record of the ability to learn new skills through self-directed study

Other:

Essential

• Willingness to travel to attend 
• Evidence a good working knowledge of equal opportunities and understanding of diversity in the workplace

Desirable

• Licensed for driving in the UK