Postdoctoral Research Assistant In Biomechanical Modelling And Wearable Robotics

University Of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford invites applications for a research role focused on developing computational models to guide wearable robotics design. You will build musculoskeletal models, simulate human-robot interaction, and validate against motion data to inform device improvements.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD near completion in Engineering, Biomechanics, Robotics or related fields, with experience in OpenSim, AnyBody, Python or MATLAB, and a track record of publications.

Qualifications

• PhD nearing completion in Engineering, Biomechanics, Robotics or related field.
• Experience in musculoskeletal modelling or human movement simulation.
• Strong understanding of movement mechanics: inverse dynamics, muscle recruitment.
• Proficiency in modelling tools such as OpenSim, AnyBody; programming in Python or MATLAB.
• Experience in wearable robotics or human-robot interaction research.
• Peer-reviewed publications and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop musculoskeletal models to predict muscle forces and joint loads.
• Simulate human-robot interaction to determine requirements of assistive devices.
• Use simulation and optimisation to guide actuator placement and device geometry.
• Collaborate with experimental researchers to validate models against motion and EMG data.

Skills

Musculoskeletal modelling

OpenSim

AnyBody

Python

MATLAB

Wearable robotics

Human-robot interaction

Research publications

Communication skills

Independent worker

Education

PhD in Engineering/Robotics

Tools

OpenSim

AnyBody

Python

MATLAB

Job description

central Oxford 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.