Senior Lecturer in Control and Automation - (9310)

About the Faculty 

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is one of the UK's largest providers of science, engineering and technology education, combining world-leading research with innovative teaching and strong industry engagement. Our academics work across disciplines to address emerging global challenges while equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.  

About the Department 

The School of Engineering and Environment brings together expertise across a broad range of engineering and environmental disciplines, delivering high-quality education, impactful research and strong industrial engagement.  

Robotics, automation and Industry 4.0 technologies are strategic growth areas within the School. Through close collaboration with industry partners and investment in specialist facilities and digital technologies, the School is helping to shape the future workforce required to support increasingly automated, connected and intelligent industrial systems. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and supportive academic community committed to excellence in engineering education and practice.  

The School provides access to state-of-the-art teaching and laboratory facilities that support hands-on learning in automation, robotics and digital manufacturing. These include a FESTO Cyber-Physical Factory demonstrator and a growing suite of collaborative robotic platforms from leading manufacturers including ABB, Universal Robots (UR) and Franka Emika. In addition, the University provides access to industrial robotics facilities that support teaching, applied research and industry engagement activities. These facilities enable students to develop practical skills in robotics, automation, digitalisation and Industry 4.0 technologies within realistic engineering environments.   

The School has developed a strong reputation with it's a implementation of Siemens Connected Curriculum as well as student success in a number of engineering, manufacturing and automation-related competitions. These achievements reflect our commitment to experiential learning, industry engagement and developing graduates who are equipped to excel in professional practice. 

About the Project   

Robotics, automation and Industry 4.0 represent strategic areas of investment within the School of Engineering and Environment. This role will contribute to the development of industry-informed education, innovation and external engagement activities, with a particular focus on robotics, automation systems, digital manufacturing and smart technologies. The successful candidate will support initiatives including Siemens Connected Curriculum activities, experiential learning and student participation in national and international engineering.  

About the Role & Team  

We are seeking an enthusiastic Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Control and Automation to join our Education, Practice and Citizenship (EPC) pathway within the School of Engineering and Environment. 

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of future engineers within one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving areas of modern engineering. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery and development of postgraduate teaching across areas such as: 

• Industrial Robotics 

• Industrial Automation and Control 

• Programming and Virtual Commissioning of Automation Systems 

• Sensors and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) 

• Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 Technologies 

• Postgraduate Engineering Research Projects 

The post holder will take responsibility for leading and developing modules within their area of expertise, particularly in robotics, automation and related digital manufacturing technologies. They will supervise postgraduate projects, contribute to curriculum innovation and support the continued development of industry-informed educational activities. 

The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop innovative practical learning activities using the School's robotics and automation facilities, contribute to challenge-based and experiential learning initiatives, and help shape industry-informed curricula that prepare graduates for emerging technological and industrial challenges.   

Working collaboratively with colleagues across the School, the successful candidate will contribute to strategic initiatives including implementation of CDIO and Siemens Connected Curriculum, supporting students to develop the skills, knowledge and professional competencies required by modern industry. They will also contribute to student participation in high-profile competitions and challenge-based learning activities that enhance employability, innovation and professional practice. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver high-quality teaching and learning across robotics, automation and control engineering disciplines.  

• Lead and develop modules aligned with personal expertise and School priorities.  

• Supervise postgraduate taught research projects and dissertations.  

• Design and deliver engaging practical, laboratory, workshop and project-based learning activities.  

• Contribute to curriculum development, quality enhancement and module leadership activities.  

• Support the continued development of industry-informed and experiential learning opportunities.  

• Contribute to Siemens Connected Curriculum activities and wider external engagement initiatives.  

• Support student participation in national and international engineering competitions and challenge activities.  

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to enhance the student experience and contribute to School goals and priorities.  

• Undertake appropriate academic administration, citizenship and professional activities commensurate with the grade.  

Key Skills & Experiences  

We welcome applications from candidates with academic and/or industrial experience in robotics, automation, control engineering or related disciplines. 

Applicants should be able to demonstrate expertise in several of the following areas: 

• Industrial robotics and robotic systems integration – (e.g. ROS, CoppeliaSim, RobotStudio and Polyscope) 

• Industrial automation and control systems 

• PLC programming and industrial communications (e.g. TIA portal, CodeSyS, Profinet, OPC UA) 

• Virtual commissioning and digital twins – Experience with Siemens NX Mechatronics Concept Designer would be beneficial 

• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) – Familiarity with platforms such as Graphana, Insights Hub and NodeRed would be preferable. 

• Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies 

• Mechatronics and cyber-physical systems 

• Digital manufacturing technologies 

• Automation software platforms and engineering simulation tools 

You will also have: 

• A degree in Engineering or a closely related discipline. 

• A postgraduate qualification and/or significant industrial experience relevant to the role. 

• Experience of teaching, training, mentoring, professional development or knowledge transfer in higher education, further education or industry. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire students. 

• Experience of project supervision, curriculum development or industrial project delivery. 

• A commitment to high-quality student-centred education. 

• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, students and external partners. 

Professional registration, Fellowship of Advance HE, and experience working with industrial partners would be advantageous but are not essential. 

To learn more about the role and requirements, please read the Job Description provided below. 

We believe in working together, sharing knowledge and valuing everyone's contributions. Develop your skills, further your knowledge and be part of a team who are transforming lives, every single day! 

Application & Assessment Process: 

• To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability, on the application portal. Please be aware that only applications including a cover letter may be considered at shortlisting stage. 
• The assessment process for this vacancy will be a 2-stage process and those candidates invited to interview will be required to submit a 10-minute pre-recorded presentation on their Research or Education Innovation.
• Stage 1 will include a panel interview presentation delivery, and those successful will be invited to interview with the Faculty Pro Vice Chancellor as stage 2.
• For informal enquiries, about this vacancy, please contact Dr Aris Alexoulis on a.alexoulis@mmu.ac.uk   

If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you! 

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Further Information

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, including those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. 

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. 

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.