Postdoctoral Research Assistant In Wearable Robotics And Experimental Biomechanics

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

central Oxford 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:

• Designing and fabricating wearable soft robotic devices that provide mechanical assistance during upper-body movements.


• Developing experimental protocols to characterise actuator force, joint assistance, range of motion and the transfer of loads between the device and the body.


• Evaluating and optimising device performance, repeatability, durability and comfort through mechanical testing and human movement measurements.


• Collaborating with researchers in biomechanical modelling and robotics to translate experimental findings into improved designs.

You should possess:

• A PhD, or be near completion of a PhD, in Engineering, Biomechanics, Robotics or a closely related discipline.


• Experience in experimental biomechanics, preferably involving the upper body, including the shoulder, arm or trunk.


• Strong practical expertise in the design, fabrication and testing of robotic devices, including relevant techniques such as moulding, casting, additive manufacturing or textile fabrication.


• Research experience in soft robotics, wearable robotics or exoskeletons. Experience with rigid or hybrid exoskeletons is also relevant.


• Experience in actuator characterisation, instrumentation and data acquisition, with proficiency in Python or MATLAB for experimental data analysis.


• 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.

For more information about working at the Department, see Only online applications received before midday on 2nd November 2026 can be considered.