Who we are?Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation providing a portfolio of operations research, training, and consultancy services to Industry across the following four thematic pillars: Digitisation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Design for Manufacturing, and Robotics and Automation. As a leading manufacturing Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) with labs and industrial pilot lines in Dublin and Mullingar, IMR works with leading global and indigenous brands to demystify, and derisk new and emerging technologies and to deliver high-impact collaborative research and services to enable advanced manufacturing for a broad range of clients across Ireland's manufacturing network.What IMR offers:An opportunity to contribute to the national economic growth agendaA competitive salary and pensionA friendly and flexible working environment with State-of-the-art Innovation CentresLots of diversity in terms of people, technology, projects and ideasThe opportunity to join a dynamic and committed teamInteraction with a diverse range of industrial clients and state partners5 weeks holidaysThe Robotics and Automation Team:The core of IMR's Robotics and Automation Team is to accelerate industry adoption of intelligent automation, combining applied research with hands-on industry demonstrations, pilot implementations, and technology translation. The team works closely with manufacturers to implement scalable robotic solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability across the manufacturing sector.The Role:Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is seeking a Robotics and Automation Research Assistant to support the Robotics and Automation team at Researcher level on a 12-month contract basis. The successful candidate will support the team in developing and deploying advanced automation and robotics solutions as part of IMR's growing portfolio of national and EU research and innovation projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the integration and validation of novel, flexible, and adaptable robotic systems and solutions. The candidate will assist the project lead with contributing to applied research, experiments, and industry demonstrations. The role requires a proactive, hands-on approach to integrating multiple robotic systems to work effectively with humans and other machines. You must be motivated to contribute to research projects that deliver real-world impact for industrial partners and be capable of applying technical knowledge to novel environments and emerging challenges.Key Responsibilities:Assist in the development of software control tools for robotic system integration, including grippers, vision systems, IO controls, and robotic manipulation tasks.Use ROS2 for programming and integrating robotic systems and Gazebo/Isaac Sim for simulation. Moveit is preferred.Support simulation and modelling of robotic systems to validate designs and test automation workflows before deployment.Contribute to applied research projects, including data collection, analysis, and documentation of experimental results.Identify opportunities to improve system performance, reliability, or efficiency, applying technical knowledge to novel challenges.Maintain technical documentation, including system designs, operational procedures, and research reports.Assist in developing, programming, and testing robotic and mechatronic assemblies, including PLC-based automation systems.RequiredSkills and Experience:A Master's degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related engineering or scientific discipline is required.Minimum 1-2 years of relevant applied robotics post-qualification experience.Optional: Applicants with a PhD in a related discipline are also welcome to apply, where the position aligns with their experience level and career development goals.Hands-on experience programming, operating, and controlling robotic and mechatronic assemblies.A strong interest in industrial automation, robotics solutions, and applied research challenges.Hands on experience with Python and C++.Experience with Ubuntu, ROS2, Moveit and Nav2.Experience with Github and docker.Experience with UR, Fanuc, and/or KUKA robotic systems.Experience with vision systems.Experience in industrial automation workflows and hardware-software integration.Prior experience supporting demonstrations or pilot deployments.Experience with AI/ML.Location:IMR offices are located in Rathcoole, Co Dublin and Mullingar, Co Westmeath. This position is based in our Mullingar office. Travel between offices and client sites will be required from time to time.Salary & Benefits:This position will command a package consisting of basic salary (€36,304 - €40,590 depending on qualifications and experience), employer pension contribution and 5 weeks holidays.Closing Date:All applicants must include an up-to-date version of your CV with their application. Electronic applicants only via LinkedIn or to Closing date for receipt of all applications is 12 noon Wednesday, 26thNovember 2025. Interviews are expected to take place from 4thDecember 2025.IMR is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively promote equity and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We strive to ensure our recruitment processes are fair, accessible, and free from bias.