Pushing the Boundaries of Agricultural Robotics

We are excited to announce a unique opportunity for an ambitious researcher to join our dynamic team as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Robotics and Autonomous Systems. This position offers the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research that addresses real-world challenges in agricultural automation through the innovative Agri-OpenCore Project.

The Research Challenge

Agriculture faces unprecedented challenges—labour shortages, sustainability demands, and the need for increased productivity. At L-CAS, we believe that autonomous robotic systems represent a transformative solution to these pressing issues. The successful candidate will focus on developing advanced navigation techniques for agricultural robots operating in dynamic environments, with particular emphasis on:

• Creating robust autonomy systems for long-term operation in changing agricultural settings
• Developing sophisticated mapping and localisation solutions using affordable sensor arrays
• Implementing machine learning approaches to enhance autonomous capabilities
• Advancing software engineering methodologies for complex robotic systems
• Integrating and orchestrating complete robotic solutions from the component level up

The Agri-OpenCore Vision

This position is embedded within our ambitious Agri-OpenCore initiative—a groundbreaking project that aims to revolutionise the agri-robotics industry through open development platforms for robotic crop harvesting. By creating standardised access to core software and hardware components, we’re facilitating faster adoption of reliable robotic technology throughout the agricultural sector.

The project will demonstrate these principles through the development of commercial robotic systems for tomato and strawberry harvesting—crops that present significant technical challenges and have immense economic importance.

Your Profile

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A PhD (or be near completion) in robotics, computer science, or a related discipline
• Strong mathematical foundations and proven coding expertise in C++ and Python
• Practical experience working with robotic systems and ROS (ROS 2 experience desirable)
• The ability to tackle complex technical challenges in real-world environments
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research

Our Research Environment

L-CAS offers a vibrant research community at the University of Lincoln, recognised internationally for excellence in robotics and autonomous systems. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative partnerships with industry leaders, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to food production technologies that address global challenges.

This full-time position is fixed-term until 31 March 2026, with a competitive salary starting from £38,249 per annum.

How to Apply

Applications close on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.

For an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact Professor Marc Hanheide at mhanheide@lincoln.ac.uk.

Learn more about this opportunity at https://lcas.lincoln.ac.uk/wp/jobs/post-doctoral-research-associate-in-robotics-and-autonomous-systems/

Join us in shaping the future of agricultural automation and addressing one of the most significant technological challenges of our time.