Postdoctoral Fellowship (04) at Durham University, England

The successful candidate will be managed by Dr Nikos Mavrakis and Prof. Hubert Shum (Computer Science Department) and expected to collaborate with Prof. Atanu Chaudhuri (Business School), as well as other members of SPARC.

After their end of mission operations, satellites are decommissioned either by deorbiting or by moving to a high-altitude orbit. Even in an inactive state, satellites contain valuable materials and components that could be reused as a resource for future missions. To optimise this recycling process, an optimal circular pathway for the parts and sub-parts in the satellites need to be developed, considering the condition of the materials, the costs of processing and the environmental impact. The recent breakthroughs in AI, machine vision and robotics provide the technological foundation for the concept of satellite recycling. Visual inputs enable effective identification of components and their conditions, while multi-sensory data supports the determination of material types, with AI underpinning the overall decision-making process. Handling of the identified components is performed through robotic manipulation planning, executing the recycling process.

 The overarching aim of the project is to determine the optimal circular pathway for satellite parts using AI and supply chain modelling and develop the robotic manipulation capabilities for disassembling the identified sub-assemblies or parts.

The Department of Biosciences is composed of 68 academic staff and research fellows; around 50 research and technical support staff; over 90 Research Postgraduate students and over 500 Single Honours undergraduate students. We offer a 3-year BSc degree programme in Biological Sciences and a 4-year MBiol, while also contributing to Natural Sciences. We also run a PGT in Plant Biotechnology with further PGT programmes scheduled for future delivery. Our research and teaching is supported by outstanding research infrastructure in advanced bioimaging (including super-resolution, confocal and electron microscopy), genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, high-performance computing and field research. We promote research at the interface with other disciplines.

The Dept. of Biosciences is currently ranked in the top 5 UK Biology Departments in University league tables (4th in the Guardian University Guide, 5th in The Complete University Guide) and has a 100% internationally recognised research environment (REF2021). Our basic science underpins applications across each-and-every sector of the bio-economy, including Biotechnology, Ecology and Agritechnology. Research programmes are grouped in the following areas: Molecular Plant Sciences; Biomolecular Interactions; Ecology, Evolution and Environment; and Animal Cells and Systems. These groups organise focused seminar series, Research Away Days, manage joint research facilities, oversee mentoring, internal peer review and serve to nucleate larger research projects. Along with our excellent research facilities such as bioimaging, proteomics, metabolomics and genomics we offer a high quality and supportive environment for our research staff.

The Dept. of Biosciences partners with other areas of research strength in Durham University including Computational Sciences and Chemistry and encourages multidisciplinary research for Health and Wellbeing. 

The Department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award. Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation and progression. The Department embraces excellence in all of its forms and invites all qualified applicants to apply. We particularly welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in the academic sector.

The Department is one of the UK’s leading Mathematics departments with an outstanding reputation in teaching, research, and employability of our students. It has an active programme of internationally recognized research in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Probability. The research culture is vibrant, with many visitors, seminars, international conferences, and workshops. We aim to provide a supportive and friendly environment with a strong sense of community.  

The Department currently has 116 permanent members of staff, following a process of significant growth. The Department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award. Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all in academia. The Department also supports the London Mathematical Society Good Practice Scheme, whose aim is to support mathematics departments to embed equal opportunities for women within their working practices.