Embedded Systems Engineer

The Department of Psychology at Lancaster University is seeking to appoint a full time Embedded Systems Engineer to lead the design and development of an open-source modular mobile sensing device for citizen science research. This will build on technologies developed by Lancaster University such as the Micro:bit.

The ambition is for citizens to choose from a library of sensors that they can easily clip onto a central device and be able to control these sensors using Microsoft MakeCode. They will then use this device to collect data.

The Project You Will Be Working On Is Part Of a Wellcome Trust Funded Project Aimed At Improving Research Culture Across Three Pillars

• Climate and Environmental Sustainability
• Inclusion of Citizen Researchers
• Digital Data Ethics
  
  

Whilst this role will be positioned within the Psychology Department, you will be working alongside a wider team of PDRA’s, support staff, technical staff and academic staff. A web developer and two education fellows will also be joining the team.

As An Embedded Systems Engineer, You Will

• Develop new technologies that inspire citizens to be part of the research process.
• Investigate sensors suited to citizen science research, such as CO2, Time of Flight, Audio, and GPS.
• Design custom printed circuit boards, and sensor housing using 3D printer technologies.
• Develop Microsoft Makecode extensions to allow citizens to programme the device.
• Work with a dynamic team from various departments including Environmental Sciences, Contemporary Arts, Library, Research Office, and Psychology.
• Manage PEP (Psychology Employability Programme) students who will assist in testing the device and software
• Ensure all health and safety procedures related to electronics and embedded systems are followed.
  
  

The Embedded Systems Engineer will empower everyday citizens to contribute to impactful scientific research. Join us and contribute to our ambitious journey to democratise science, in an ethical and environmentally friendly manner.

About You

The successful candidate will:

• Showcase relevant experience in open-source product design related to electronic devices and embedded systems.
• Demonstrate relevant experience in breakout board development and printed circuit boards.
• Be able to demonstrate competencies in 3D printing, JavaScript/Type Script, Python, C/C++,
• Have experience working with microcontroller architectures and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART).
  
  

The Benefits Of The Role

• Generous holiday leave - 25 days (pro-rata) annual leave plus University closure days and bank holidays.
• Access to employee pension scheme, and annual flexible benefits scheme.
• We are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the Faculty, and supporting family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis. The Department holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in Higher Education and research.
• For more information about the benefits of working at Lancaster University, including support for relocation from overseas, see Jobs - Lancaster University
  
  

The Psychology Department is a busy teaching and research active Department. It is home to a friendly group of over 40 Academic staff, with teams of Research and Professional Services and Technical staff. The Department supports a large cohort of Undergraduate students; a thriving group of Masters and Postgraduate research students; and a wide range of research projects including several cross-institution grants.

Further information about the Department is available at: http://www.psych.lancs.ac.uk

Please upload a cover letter with your application.

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups, and for this full time post, we expect a start date by early 2025.

This role is indefinite, subject to funding, which is currently only available until May 2026

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be addressed to Heather Shaw at h.shaw5@lancaster.ac.uk