Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Wearable Robotics and Experimental Biomechanics

University-of-Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oxford's RADlab at the Department of Engineering Science invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Wearable Robotics and Experimental Biomechanics, funded by UKRI and based in central Oxford.

You will develop wearable devices, perform protocols, collaborate across biomechanics and robotics, and contribute to advancing upper-body assistive technologies.

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in engineering/biomechanics/robotics.
• Experience in experimental biomechanics, upper body preferred.
• Proven capability in designing, fabricating and testing robotic devices.
• Experience in soft robotics, wearable robotics or exoskeletons.
• Experience in actuator characterisation and data acquisition; proficient in Python or MATLAB.
• Strong publication record, good communication, able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate wearable soft robotic devices for upper-body movement.
• Develop experimental protocols to characterise actuation and joint assistance.
• Evaluate device performance, durability and comfort via testing and movement analysis.
• Collaborate with biomechanical modelling and robotics researchers to improve designs.

Skills

Experimental biomechanics

Soft robotics

Robotics device design

Python/MATLAB

Data acquisition

Independent research

Communication

Education

PhD in Engineering/Biomechanics/Robotics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Motion capture

3D printing/fabrication

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Wearable Robotics and Experimental Biomechanics

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 wearable robotic devices that deliver assistive forces and joint torques, with a particular focus on upper-body movement. The research will combine soft robotic actuation, device fabrication and experimental biomechanics.

You will be responsible for:

• 1. Designing and fabricating wearable soft robotic devices that provide mechanical assistance during upper-body movements.
• 2. Developing experimental protocols to characterise actuator force, joint assistance, range of motion and the transfer of loads between the device and the body.
• 3. Evaluating and optimising device performance, repeatability, durability and comfort through mechanical testing and human movement measurements.
• 4. Collaborating with researchers in biomechanical modelling and robotics to translate experimental findings into improved designs.

You should possess:

• 1. A PhD, or be near completion of a PhD, in Engineering, Biomechanics, Robotics or a closely related discipline.
• 2. Experience in experimental biomechanics, preferably involving the upper body, including the shoulder, arm or trunk.
• 3. Strong practical expertise in the design, fabrication and testing of robotic devices, including relevant techniques such as moulding, casting, additive manufacturing or textile fabrication.
• 4. Research experience in soft robotics, wearable robotics or exoskeletons. Experience with rigid or hybrid exoskeletons is also relevant.
• 5. Experience in actuator characterisation, instrumentation and data acquisition, with proficiency in Python or MATLAB for experimental data analysis.
• 6. 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 human movement analysis, motion capture, wearable sensing, EMG or the integration of robotic control systems 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/