Postdoc: Wearable Soft Robotics for Upper-Body Support

University Of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford is seeking a researcher to develop wearable soft robotic devices that deliver assistive forces for the upper body. You will design, fabricate and test devices, and develop protocols to quantify actuator performance and load transfer to the body.

The role involves collaboration with biomechanics and robotics researchers to translate findings into improved designs. A PhD (or near completion) in engineering or related fields and experience in experimental biomechanics are

Qualifications

• A PhD or near completion in Engineering, Biomechanics, Robotics or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in experimental biomechanics, preferably involving the upper body including shoulder, arm or trunk.
• Strong practical expertise in design, fabrication and testing of robotic devices using relevant techniques.
• Research in soft robotics or wearable robotics / exoskeletons; rigid or hybrid exoskeletons also relevant.
• Experience in actuator characterisation, instrumentation and data acquisition; Python or MATLAB for analysis.
• Peer‑reviewed publications; strong communication and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience in human movement analysis, motion capture, wearable sensing, EMG or robotic control systems would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Designing and fabricating wearable soft robotic devices that provide mechanical assistance during upper-body movements.
• Developing experimental protocols to characterise actuator force, joint assistance, ROM and load transfer.
• Evaluating and optimising device performance, repeatability, durability and comfort via mechanical testing and human movement measurements.
• Collaborating with researchers in biomechanical modelling and robotics to translate findings into improved designs.

Skills

Experimental biomechanics

Robotics design and testing

Lab equipment & fabrication

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Independent & collaborative work

Education

PhD in Engineering/Biomechanics/Robotics or near completion

Tools

Moulding/Casting

Additive manufacturing

Textile fabrication

Motion capture

EMG

Job description

University of Oxford is seeking a researcher to develop wearable soft robotic devices that deliver assistive forces for the upper body. You will design, fabricate and test devices, and develop protocols to quantify actuator performance and load transfer to the body.

The role involves collaboration with biomechanics and robotics researchers to translate findings into improved designs. A PhD (or near completion) in engineering or related fields and experience in experimental biomechanics are