PhD position on artificial muscles for soft robots - Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Trento

University of Trento, Italy

Updated: 20 days ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 20 May 2024

9 Apr 2024
Job Information
Organisation/Company

University of Trento
Department

Department of Industrial Engineering
Research Field

Engineering
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country

Italy
Application Deadline

20 May 2024 - 16:00 (Europe/Rome)
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Full-time
Hours Per Week

35
Offer Starting Date

1 Nov 2024
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The Department of Industrial Engineering will soon open a PhD position on the design and development of soft robots with multifunctional-material-based artificial muscles.  

Supervisor: Dr. G. Moretti . Co-supervisors: profs. S. Dirè , L. Fambri .

We are looking for highly motivated, talented candidates with a strong background in the areas of mechatronics/mechanical engineering, systems engineering, as well as interest and passion for multidisciplinary research at the intersection of modelling and experimental prototyping/characterisation.

The opening is part of the prestigious “Department of Excellence” grant, issued by the Ministry of Research to outstanding Italian University Departments.

The successful candidate will become part of a vibrant multidisciplinary group, with an international scientific profile, and they will have access to the experimental facilities at the Department of Industrial Engineering, including a broad variety of mechatronics and material characterisation laboratories , and advanced manufacturing facilities .

The candidate will have the opportunity to spend a mobility period at international partner universities during the PhD programme.

Specific objectives of the PhD project are:

  • Modelling and testing of new concepts of electrostatic artificial muscles
  • Design, prototyping, and testing of soft robots (grippers, manipulators, soft displays) based on the developed artificial muscle concepts
  • Modelling and control of soft robot prototypes

Keywords: soft robotics, electroactive polymers, soft manipulators, HASEL (hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic actuators), self-sensing.


Requirements
Research Field
Engineering
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Essential:

  • Master’s degree in Mechatronics/Mechanical/Systems Engineering or similar
  • A solid background in one of the following areas: modelling, mechanics, electronics, systems engineering, machine learning.
  • A track record of project works
  • Strong interest towards problem solving and experimental activity
  • Fluency in English (written and spoken)

 

Preferred:

  • Experience with experimental activity, mechanical design, and/or data processing
  • Knowledge of continuum mechanics (e.g., nonlinear elasticity), robotics, electronics, control theory, electromechanical drives.
  • Experience with modelling and simulation software
  • Experience with CAD and/or finite element software

Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent

Additional Information
Benefits

What/we offer:

  • Work on cutting-edge emerging topics at the intersection of mechatronics, material science and machine learning
  • Work in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary research environment
  • Possibility to perform independent research under the guidance of supervisors covering a broad range of expertise
  • Broad offer of advanced classes/seminars in the scientific areas of mechatronics and material science
  • A mobility period (6-9 months) in international research groups (with mobility allowance)
  • Involvement in high-quality and peer-reviewed scientific publications
  • Participation in international scientific conferences and workshops
  • Flexible working time, with result-oriented assignments

 

Job details

  • Contract: Italian PhD scholarship (16290 €/year gross salary, exempt from local income tax and personal income tax)
  • Exp. starting date: 1 November 2024
  • Duration: 3 years

Selection process

For information and enquiries please contact the scientific responsible, Dr. Giacomo Moretti ([email protected] ).

Please include the string [PhD openings DII] in the title of your email.

The official application procedure will be made publicly available soon, on the PhD school webpage

 


Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Department of Industrial Engineering
Country
Italy
State/Province
Trento
City
Trento
Postal Code
38123
Street
Via Sommarive 9
Geofield


Where to apply
E-mail

[email protected]
Website

https://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1904/doctoral-programme-in-materials-mechatronic…

Contact
City

Trento
Website

https://www.dii.unitn.it
Street

Via Sommarive 9
Postal Code

38123
E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED

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