Post-doc in modeling and design of architected manipulators

ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA; Italia; In loco; EUR 30.000 - 38.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

All'Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia è disponibile una posizione di Ricercatore R2 nel gruppo Soft BioRobotics Perception (SBRP). Il contratto è una collaborazione della durata di 24 mesi, destinato a progetti avanzati di robotica morbida e percezione tattile.

Il candidato lavorerà in un contesto internazionale multidisciplinare, con responsabilità di modellazione kinematica, progettazione e validazione di manipolatori continui architected, oltre a simulazione e test di sistemi morbidi integrati.

Competenze

• PhD in mechanical engineering or related field.
• Experience in modeling soft robots.
• Proficient in CAD and designing architected structures.
• Experience with tendon-driven and fluidic soft robots.
• Strong publication record.
• Fluent English, both spoken and written.

Mansioni

• Kinematic modelling and analysis of soft robots and subsystems.
• Design, simulation and testing of architected continuum manipulators.

Conoscenze

Modeling of soft robots

Computer-aided design

Architected structures

Design and optimization of soft ones

Tendon-driven soft robots

Fluidic soft robots

English proficiency

Publications

Formazione

PhD in mechanical engineering

Strumenti

3D CAD software

Descrizione del lavoro

Organisation/Company Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 24 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Italy Type of Contract Other Job Status Other Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Commitment & contract: collaboration contract, 24 months

Step into a world of endless possibilities, together let’s leave something for the future!

At IIT, we are committed to advancing human-centered Science and Technology to address the most urgent societal challenges of our era. We foster excellence in both fundamental and applied research, spanning fields such as neuroscience and cognition, humanoid technologies and robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and material sciences, offering a truly interdisciplinary scientific experience. Our approach integrates cutting-edge tools and technology, empowering researchers to push the limits of knowledge and innovation. With us, your curiosity will know no bounds.

We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity in all its forms, creating an inclusive environment. We value the unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of our people. By embracing diversity, we believe science can achieve its fullest potential.

THE ROLE

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where junior and senior scientists collaborate, each with their expertise, to carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal.

The Soft BioRobotics Perception (SBRP) Research Unit, led by Lucia Beccai, develops technologies that endow soft robots with embodied perception. Its research aims to enable robots to perceive their environment through touch and interact with the physical world intelligently, ultimately supporting people in real-world applications. To this end, the laboratory designs innovative soft systems for grasping and manipulation that combine bioinspired morphologies, architected structures, and monolithic designs in which mechanical sensing and actuation are intrinsically integrated into the robot body.

Within the research team, your main responsibilities will be:

• Kinematic modelling and analysis (of soft robots and subsystems)
• Design, simulation and testing of architected continuum manipulators

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in mechanical engineering or similar disciplines
• Documented experience in:
  • Modeling of soft robots
  • Computer-aided design
  • Architected structures with programmable mechanical properties
  • Design and optimization of integrated soft systems
  • Tendon-driven soft robots and fluidic soft robots
• Strong publication record
• Good command of spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Experience in:
  • Soft grasping systems and/or sensorized soft systems: on any aspect of design, fabrication, assembling, validation etc.
  • 3D printing fabrication methods (FDM, SLA, SLS, etc.)
• Knowledge of:
  • Elephant trunk anatomy and behaviour
  • Bioinspired system design approach
• Ability to work in a challenging and international environment
• Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment
• Possess analytical reasoning skills and a growth mindset

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• A yearly gross salary from 30.000,00 to 38.000,00 euro
• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who have carried scientific research activity permanently abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.