A Postdoctoral position is available in the Soft BioRobotics Perception (SBRP) Research Line of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy. The post is based on a research project funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 framework programme for research and innovation, entitled “PROBOSCIdean Sensitive soft robot for versatile gripping” – PROBOSCIS (FET OPEN - grant agreement No. 863212,
www.proboscis.eu) coordinated by Dr. Lucia Beccai (SBRP PI).
We are looking for a brilliant postdoctoral researcher with an excellent background in the areas of robotic grasping and biorobotics. The specific objective of this post will be to design and develop a novel soft gripper for versatile manipulation, inspired from the elephant trunk.
Priority will be given to bright scientists with knowledge and strong motivation to perform research in:
Design and fabrication of soft robotic grippers
Strong skills are required in:
Mechanical design and fabrication of soft/hybrid actuated systems
Numerical modeling and simulation (MATLAB) of deformable systems
Computer-aided design, enabling device prototyping/fabrication
Manufacturing of soft robots
English language (written and spoken)
The prospective candidate holds a Ph.D. in robotics, biorobotics, mechatronics, mechanical engineering or equivalent, MSc in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics or equivalent and a proven track record of high quality publications.
The successful candidate will join our SBRP lab where we aim to create new soft and embodied sensing processes and to investigate natural-like physical interactions by developing totally new robotic solutions that can ‘see the world’ and intelligently interact with it. Our working environment is strongly interdisciplinary, dynamic and collaborative with outstanding research facilities. Within the PROBOSCIS project the candidate will have the unique opportunity of collaborating with world-wide known scientists and professionals in the field of soft robotics, elephant biology, smart materials and 3D fabrication technologies. She/he will be offered a contract with a highly competitive salary that will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Applications, assembled as a single PDF file, shall include:
A complete CV with a full list of publications, plus a final section describing relevant skills commenting on the strong points where your CV matches the required skills (list above)
Copy of up to 5 relevant papers, plus a final section titled “Personal contributions” detailing your specific contributions to each presented papers
Names and contacts of 2 referees
Please submit your application using the online form (deadline April 30th, 2021).
Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) with its headquarters in Genoa, Italy, is a non-profit institution with the primary goal of creating and disseminating scientific knowledge and strengthening Italy's technological competitiveness (
www.iit.it). IIT promotes excellence in basic and applied research through a multidisciplinary scientific program that includes humanoid technologies and robotics, neuroscience and cognition, nanotechnology and materials.
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks diversity in the workforce.
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