3 PhD positions in SoftPro Human Robotics: Shell Structures as Exoskeletons in Netherlands | University of Twente

The University of Twente has openings for three PhD candidates within the research area of Assistive and Rehabilitation Robotics for the Upper Extremities. The candidates will work in the Research Departments of Robotics and Mechatronics, Biological Signal Analysis, Transducers Science and Technology (all in Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, EEMCS), Mechanical Automation and Mechatronics, and Biomechanical Engineering (both in the Faculty of Engineering Technology, ET).

Note: application need to be received by midnight January 24th, 2016. Selection and invitation of interesting candidates will take place before February 1st, 2016. Anticipated project starting date is March 1st 2016. Interested MSc students from the University of Twente have the option to combine their MSc project with the first year of the PhD project.

Research Project Description: The main objective of the SoftPro project is to fulfil Henry Ford’s vision to assist people with upper limb amputations or motor disabilities providing them with robotics-enabled aids. To do so, we need not only to produce new technology and better performing devices; we also need to make the technology accessible to and affordable for real people with real needs.

In order to achieve this, 16 of the best international research organizations and companies in the field of robotics and rehabilitation science and technology from the EU, USA and Japan are collaborating in this Horizon 2020 project in which dozens of PhD students and PostDocs will be appointed in seven countries. The University of Twente is participating in this project based on its international renowned reputation of advanced sensing and robotics for assistive and rehabilitation purposes.

The three candidates will work closely together within the University of Twente, but will also collaborate intensively with the other international partners in the multiple work packages of the project.

PhD Candidate – Shell Structures (ET, EEMCS)

The PhD candidate on shell structures will develop arm and hand support devices or exoskeletons based on so-called shell mechanisms, which are thin-walled structures that can move due to large elastic deflections. With these compliant shells, possibly out of composite materials, we aim to create non-linear force-displacement behaviour. Shell mechanisms are characterised by a high degree of function integration and enable the creation of hollow, thin-walled mechanisms that are extremely slender, lightweight and robust. This makes them suitable for applications where conventional mechanisms fail. A typical example is an exoskeleton, where shell mechanisms will yield a thin-walled, flexible shell that fits underneath clothing and supports body mass and potentially also other loads. It is intended to develop shape optimization methods in which both complex spatial shapes and anisotropic material properties will be considered. Project results will include a theoretical foundation, a synthesis framework and a sequence of physical demonstrators that are part of the SoftPro range of devices.

Requirements

The successful applicant has a background in mechanical engineering, material science, biomedical engineering, applied physics, or in a closely related discipline. He or she should possess excellent skills and practical experience in one or more of the following research areas: (compliant) mechanism design, mechanics of (composite) materials, finite-element modelling, additive manufacturing, mechatronics, human-machine interaction. Experience at the intersection of one or more of these areas is desirable. Fluency in English is required. An interview will be part of the selection procedure.

Conditions of employment

We offer a very challenging fulltime position for four years in an inspiring multidisciplinary and international environment. In accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) the gross monthly salary ranges from € 2.174,- in the first year to € 2.779,- in the fourth year. Additionally, the University of Twente provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development, a holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus, and a number of additional benefits. Your main responsibility will be to carry out research, but you will be given the opportunity to acquire some teaching experience as well.

Organisation

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over six faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (CTW) is one of the six faculties of the University of Twente. CTW combines Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. Our faculty has approximately 1800 bachelor and master students, 400 employees and 150 PhD candidates. The departments of the faculty cooperatively conduct the educational programmes and participate in interdisciplinary research projects, programmes and the research institutes: MIRA, CTIT, SBE and IGS.