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Postdoctoral position in Soft Actuators, Sensors, and Robots (IIT - Center for MicroBioRobotics@SSSA)
The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), with headquarters in Genova (Italy), is a non- profit institution with the primary goal of to promote excellence in basic and applied research and to contribute to the economic development of Italy.
The Center for MicroBioRobotics@SSSA of the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), directed by Dr. Barbara Mazzolai, aims at developing innovative methodologies and robotic technologies, new materials, and advanced components, both for the design and construction of high performance bio-inspired machines and systems at the micro scale, and for the development of devices for biomedical, environmental, and rescue applications. The mission of the Center is to generate and promote new scientific and technological knowledge in the microbiorobotics field, which is fully deployed by inventions deriving from an interdisciplinary approach to the tackled scientific problems. The scientific activities are carried out within the MicroRobotics and the Smart Materials Platforms.
Application is invited for the following position:
- 1 Junior or Senior (2 years experience after PhD or equivalent experience) Post Doctoral Position
Advanced experimental and theoretical skills in biomechanics (whole-body kinematics, force measurements) are advantageous as well as sound experience in micromanufacturing technologies and microengineering. Previous experiences about design of sensors, actuators and microrobots are also beneficial.
The selected candidate will work on soft robots, with particular emphasis on systems at the micro scale. The team aims at designing, fabricating, and assessing the performance of autonomous soft microrobots (including bioinspired and biomimetic solutions), as well as of soft actuators (e.g. polymer actuators, artificial muscles, EAPs, etc.) and sensors (e.g. flexible and stretchable tactile sensors, etc..). He/she will work in a microengineering context in close collaboration with engineers/physicians/biologists.
Prospective candidates should have a PhD’s degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Bioengineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Material science
- Physics
Candidates from other disciplines are also welcome if they demonstrate skills in the above-mentioned areas.
The successful applicant has free spirit, strong capacity to generate novel ideas at the borderline of science and technology, and wishes to work in team and cooperate over various disciplines. Proficiency in writing/spoken English is mandatory.
The position is available from May, 2011 for 12 months with a contract renewable on the basis of performance. Salary and benefits are highly competitive for international standards. The candidate will join a young and enthusiastic team and will co-tutor several PhD students working in the above mentioned research areas.
Application deadline is April 30, 2011
Application documents, to be sent electronically, are: Cover Letter, CV, and two letters of reference.
In order to comply with the Italian law (art. 23 of Privacy Law of the Italian Legislative Decree n. 196/03), we have to kindly ask the candidate to give his/her consent to allow IIT to process his/her personal data. The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks diversity in the workforce.
Contact details:
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