3 PhD positions in SoftPro Human Robotics: Multimodal Sensory Interfacing 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).

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.

The PhD candidate on sensory interfacing will investigate and develop distributed sensory modalities for interfacing from the natural (arm, hand, skin, etc.) to the artificial (sensing, robotics, etc.) domain. These distributed sensory modalities are to be integrated in flexible shell-like structures for the support of arm and hand function and will integrate sensing of neuromuscular activation, kinematics and interaction forces, applying various, including differential, analysis methods of these quantities. Tasks include the analysis of requirements for multimodal distributed sensing for user intention identification and control of intelligent flexible arm support structures, development of sensing structures needed to implement the required sensory modalities in 3D printed flexible structures, development of various methods to analyze this sensory information in the involved physical domains, and integration of this multimodal distributed sensory system in the SoftPro intelligent flexible arm support that other partners in the SoftPro project are working on.

Requirements

The successful applicant has a background in applied physics, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, 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: transducer science, microfabrication, additive manufacturing, multimodal distributed sensing, neuromodulation, dynamic identification, and systems dynamics and control. 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 Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) comprises three disciplines that shape Information and Communication Technology. ICT is more than communication. In almost every product we use mathematics, electronics and computer technology and ICT now contributes to all of societies' activities. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. The research which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+, CTIT and MIRA.