Research Associate - Soft Haptics

New York University; Al Ruways Industrial City; On-site; AED 66,103 - 102,827; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing support

Educational subsidies for children

Access to advanced research infrastructure

Job summary

New York University in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Research Associate to lead research on soft haptics and robotics. The role involves designing, prototyping, and testing new technologies while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in an advanced research environment.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD and has extensive R&D experience, particularly in haptic technologies and soft robotics. The position offers competitive terms and opportunities for professional growth within a globally connected academic community.

Qualifications

• PhD or 3–5 years of experience in research and development.
• Strong background in haptic technologies and software robotics.
• Hands-on experience with lab building and experimental validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development for soft haptic actuators.
• Design and test proof-of-concept technologies.
• Collaborate with material science researchers.

Skills

Soft haptic actuators

Haptic technologies

Soft robotics

Control systems

Algorithm development

Digital twin simulation

Brain-machine interaction

Wearable haptics

Rehabilitation technology

Rapid prototyping

Lab building

Proof-of-concept development

Material science collaboration

Actuator validation

Experimental design

Sensor integration

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Research and development

Data analysis

Technical documentation

Academic publication support

Engineering research

Human-machine interaction

Interactive multimedia systems

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Engineering, or closely related field

Job description

Job Details

Role: Research Associate – Soft Haptics

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Industry: Higher Education

Function: Research

Job Type: Full‑time

Salary: 18,000–28,000 (USD) per annum.

Experience Required: PhD or 3–5 years of research and development experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development activities for soft haptic actuators, control systems, algorithms, and interactive haptic experiences.
• Design, prototype, test, and validate novel proof‑of‑concept technologies for next‑generation haptic applications.
• Work closely with collaborators in material science to develop actuator materials and system‑level integration methods.
• Build and refine laboratory setups for soft robotics, wearable haptics, digital twin simulation, and rehabilitation technology research.
• Develop control strategies, sensing approaches, and algorithms that improve actuator performance, responsiveness, and user interaction.
• Conduct hands‑on experimental work, including lab assembly, rapid prototyping, troubleshooting, calibration, and performance evaluation.
• Support the use of developed haptic technologies in brain‑machine interaction, wearable systems, and soft robot‑assisted rehabilitation simulations.
• Analyze experimental results and translate findings into improved designs, validated models, and research outputs.
• Prepare technical documentation, research summaries, reports, presentations, and academic publications.
• Collaborate with engineering researchers, postdoctoral associates, faculty members, and multidisciplinary project partners.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and productive laboratory environment while following university research standards.
• Contribute original ideas, technical judgment, and problem‑solving insight to strengthen the laboratory's research direction.

Ideal Profile

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Engineering, or closely related field.
• 3–5 years of industry research and development experience considered.
• Strong background in haptic technologies, interactive systems, soft robotics, control systems, actuator design, or related engineering research.
• Hands‑on experience with lab building, rapid prototyping, experimental validation, and development of novel proof‑of‑concept systems.
• Ability to work extensively on‑site in a laboratory environment with practical engineering equipment and prototypes.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with material science researchers and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Good communication skills with proficiency in English.
• Research candidates ideally within the first 5 years after receiving their PhD.
• Ability to prepare required application documents, including cover letter, CV, research interest statement, reference letters, and transcript.

Skills Set

• Soft haptic actuators
• Haptic technologies
• Soft robotics
• Control systems
• Algorithm development
• Digital twin simulation
• Brain‑machine interaction
• Wearable haptics
• Rehabilitation technology
• Rapid prototyping
• Lab building
• Proof‑of‑concept development
• Material science collaboration
• Actuator validation
• Experimental design
• Sensor integration
• Mechanical systems
• Electrical systems
• Research and development
• Data analysis
• Technical documentation
• Academic publication support
• Engineering research
• Human‑machine interaction
• Interactive multimedia systems

Benefits

Competitive employment terms with housing support and educational subsidies for children.

Access to advanced research infrastructure and the opportunity to collaborate within a globally connected academic environment.

Strong career path for researchers seeking hands‑on laboratory innovation, interdisciplinary exposure, and meaningful technical contribution in the Higher Education sector.

About the Company

New York University Abu Dhabi is a research‑led, degree‑granting university that brings together science, engineering, arts, humanities, and social sciences within an internationally connected academic environment. It supports advanced research, scholarly collaboration, and knowledge creation with access to world‑class facilities for engineering researchers working on emerging technologies, interactive systems, soft robotics, and human‑centered innovation.