Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Biomechanical Modelling and Wearable Robotics

Chilling Competition; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science in Oxford is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant for the RADlab to develop computational models guiding wearable robotics design. The role involves collaborating with experimental teams, validating models with motion, force, and EMG data, and exploring soft/hybrid exoskeleton concepts.

The successful candidate will have a PhD (or near completion) in Engineering, Biomechanics, Robotics or Computational Mechanics, with strong

Qualifications

• PhD, or near completion, in Engineering, Biomechanics, Robotics, or Computational Mechanics.
• Experience in musculoskeletal modelling or human movement simulation (upper-body biomechanics and/or gait analysis).
• Strong understanding of movement mechanics: inverse dynamics, muscle recruitment, joint forces/torques.
• Proficiency with modelling tools (OpenSim, AnyBody) and numerical analysis in Python/MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Develop musculoskeletal models to predict muscle forces and joint loads.
• Simulate human–robot interaction for actuation requirements during relevant movements.
• Use simulation/optimisation to guide actuator placement and device geometry.
• Collaborate with experimental researchers to validate models against motion, force, and EMG data.

Skills

Musculoskeletal modelling

Human movement analysis

Python

MATLAB

OpenSim

AnyBody

Research collaboration

EMG knowledge

Education

PhD in Engineering/Biomechanics/Robotics/Computational Mechanics

Tools

OpenSim

AnyBody

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Location: Central Oxford

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join RADlab (www.radlab-oxford.com) at the Department of Engineering Science (central Oxford). The post is funded by UKRI and is fixed-term to 31st May 2028.

You will develop computational models to guide the design of wearable robots that deliver assistive forces and joint torques. The research will examine how robotic assistance affects human movement, muscle activity and joint loading, supporting the development of effective soft and hybrid wearable devices.

You will be responsible for:

• Developing musculoskeletal models of human movement to predict muscle forces, joint loads and the effects of wearable robotic assistance.
• Simulating human-robot interaction to determine the force, torque and timing requirements of assistive devices during relevant movements, including upper-body tasks and/or gait cycles.
• Using simulation and optimisation to guide actuator placement, device geometry and assistance strategies, accounting for the mechanical behaviour of soft actuators and their attachment to the body.
• Collaborating with experimental researchers to validate models against motion, force and, where available, EMG measurements, and to inform successive device designs.

You should possess:

• A PhD, or be near completion of a PhD, in Engineering, Biomechanics, Robotics, Computational Mechanics or a closely related discipline.
• Research experience in musculoskeletal modelling or the simulation of human movement, including upper-body biomechanics and/or gait analysis.
• A strong understanding of human movement mechanics, including inverse dynamics, muscle recruitment and the interpretation of joint forces and torques.
• Proficiency in relevant modelling tools, such as OpenSim, AnyBody or equivalent software, and in Python or MATLAB for numerical analysis and optimisation.
• Experience in wearable robotics, soft robotics, exoskeletons or closely related human-robot interaction research. Experience with rigid or hybrid exoskeletons is also relevant.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to your career stage, strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet research milestones.

Experience in EMG processing, wearable sensor data analysis, assistive control strategies or finite-element modelling of soft devices and body interfaces would be advantageous.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Antonio Elia Forte (email: [e-mail])

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

midday on 2nd November 2026

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.

Modelling, Robotics, Wearable-Robotics, Exoskeleton, Simulation

£39,424 to £47,779 per annum. Grade 7