SAPHARI EU PROJECT
CB:66949
The Department of Advanced Robotics at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) an English-language research Institute, is seeking to appoint an international well motivated full-time junior/senior post- doc that will have a key research role on the area of mechanical design for the currently under development intrinsically compliant and variable impedance robotic platforms.
The selected candidate will join an interdisciplinary team and have the opportunity to pursue research within the SAPHARI (Safe and Autonomous Physical Human-Aware Robot Interaction) European project in partnership with a consortium which consists of ten leading universities, research institutes and companies in Europe (http://www.saphari.eu/). This innovative project aims to perform a fundamental advancement in robot development where human is considered the core of the entire design. The selected applicant will work on the development of robotic manipulator/arm systems integrating novel actuation and sensing components and technologies which will ensure safe and perceptive collaboration and/or physical interaction between humans and robotic systems.
We are looking for a highly motivated, outstanding young scientist with a background and PhD in Robotics or Mechanical Engineering and an excellent, well established publication record on the mechanical design in one or more of the following areas:
- Compliant robots and variable impedance actuation
- Articulated legged systems with customised sensing and actuation
- Robotic articulated arms, end effectors and hand design
- Exoskeleton, assistive, or prosthesis robotic design
- Haptic devices and tactile/force sensing technologies
Proficiency in hardware design with a proven portfolio of practical designs, excellent hands-on practical skills and strong competences in robot Kinematics/Dynamics and physical system modelling are essential. Experience in robot control is a big plus.
The research will be conducted within the Humanoid & Human Centred Mechatronics Lab led by Dr. Nikos Tsagarakis. International applications are encouraged. The successful candidate will be offered a project collaboration contract (fixed term) for the duration of the project SAPHARI, which is due to end on October 31st 2015, with a highly competitive salary which will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Expected start date could be from 1st September 2013 or as soon as possible.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit in electronic form their CV outlining experience and qualifications, list of publications, a statement of research interests and plans, and the names of at least two referees to Nikos Tsagarakis ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), quoting (SAPHARI) in the email subject. For consideration apply by 15.06.2013.
The Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia – IIT – was established in 2005 and successfully created the large scale infrastructure in Genova, a network of 10 state of the art laboratories countrywide, recruited an international staff of about 1000 people from more than 50 countries. IIT's research endeavour focuses on high-tech and innovation, representing the forefront of technology with possible application from medicine to industry, computer science, robotics, life sciences and nanobiotechnologies.
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Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks diversity in the workforce.
