Research Fellow in Mechanical Engineering for Soft Robotics - (2100007U) (# of pos: 2)

Project: Towards a new generation of plant-inspired growing artifacts - GrowBot

Commitment & contract: Collaboration contract

Location: Genova

WHO WE ARE

At IIT we work enthusiastically to develop human-centered Science and Technology to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times and transfer these technologies to the production system and society. Our Genoa headquarter is strictly inter-connected with our 11 centres around Italy and two outer-stations based in the US for a truly interdisciplinary experience. 

YOUR TEAM 

The Bioinspiered Soft Robotics laboratory (BSR, https://bsr.iit.it/ ) of the Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) seeks to appoint a Research Fellow to focus on applications of mechanics, 3D printing, and other additive manufacturing technologies to robotics.

The post is within the context of a joint-lab IIT and Tel Aviv University program to conduct a collaborative research under an agreement between Israeli and the Italian Ministry of Science and Technology titled “A Plant-Inspired Robot Emulating Decision-Making Abilities of Plants in Dynamical Environments”, and on a large European research project on ‘Climbing Plants Inspiration’ for ‘Adaptable Growing Soft Robotics’ in the context of the European Union's Horizon 2020 framework programme for research and innovation under the action entitled ‘Towards a new generation of plant-inspired growing artifacts - GrowBot (FET-Proactive grant agreement No. 824074, www.growbot.eu ).

The goal of this research is to take inspiration from the ability of plants to move by growing while exploring external contexts and adapting their morphology, accordingly. Specifically, the major objective of the joint-lab is to design and build a new generation of bio-robots equipped with decision-making abilities for dynamically-changing environments, merging knowledge from robotics with engineering-driven plant science.

In this context, we are looking for a motivated candidate to work on the embodiment of additive manufacturing technologies in soft robots for mimicking plant’s growth-driven behaviors.

The BSR Research Line aims to design and develop new robotic solutions and advanced components by taking inspiration from Nature. The group works in a dynamic, international, and multidisciplinary environment, combining engineering and biology and using plants and soft-bodied animals as biological models. Science-based research activities are combined with the development of application-driven robotic solutions and technology transfer.

You will work individually and as part of a small multidisciplinary team composed of biologists, engineers, and computer scientists. You will contribute to the optimization and development of advanced bioinspired robotic systems capable of building their bodies by embedding additive manufacturing technologies in the robot itself. The position includes theoretical and hands-on research, collaborations with Post Docs, PhDs, and MSc students, and preparation of scientific publications. The candidate must be capable of collaborating with a large, international, and multidisciplinary team

 WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU SHINE

• A Master’s degree in Mechanical engineering, Mechatronic engineering, Robotics, Manufacturing engineering, or a related field

• strong knowledge on mechanical engineering basis

• experience and knowledge of 3D drawing design and related tools (Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or others)

• experience and knowledge of FDM 3D printing;

• analytical reasoning;

• strong communication and English language skills (written and spoken);

• teamwork.

• The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data

• Documented experience in coaching junior scientists

• Good command in spoken and written English 

EXTRA AWESOME 

• experience and knowledge of one or more of the following prototyping techniques and machining: methods of fast prototyping, versa laser, CNC machine, molding and casting, other 3D printing different from FDM;

• experience and knowledge of fabrication of soft materials parts and components;

• previous experience in the design and realization of experimental robotic systems;

• experience in the field of soft robotics and/or bioinspired robotics.

• Good communication skills 

• Strong problem solving attitude

• High motivation to learn

• Spirit of innovation and creativity

• Good in time and priority management

• Ability to work in a challenging and international environment

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary package for international standards 

• Private health care coverage 

• Wide range of staff discounts

 WHAT’S IN FOR YOU?

• An equal, inclusive and multicultural environment ready to welcome you with open arms. Discrimination is a big NO for us!

• We like contamination and encourage you to mingle and discover what other people are up to in our labs! 

• If paperwork is not your piece of cake, we got you! There’s a specialized team working to help you with that, especially during your relocation! 

• If you are a startupper or a business-minded person, you will find some exceptionally gifted professionals ready to nurture and guide your attitude and aspirations.

• If you want your work to have a real impact, in IIT you will find an innovative and stimulating culture that drives our mission to contribute to the improvement and well-being of society!

• We stick to our values! Integrity, courage, societal responsibility and inclusivity are the values we believe in! They define us and our actions in our everyday life. They guide us to accomplish IIT mission!

If you feel this tickles your appetite for change, do not hesitate and apply!

Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, university transcripts, cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications) and contact details of 2 references.

Application’s deadline: December 20th, 2021

We inform you that the information you provide will be used solely for the purposes of evaluating and selecting professional profiles in order to meet the requirements of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.

Your data will be processed by Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, based in Genoa, Via Morego 30, acting as Data Controller, in compliance with the rules on protection of personal data, including those related to data security.

Please also note that, pursuant to articles 15 et. seq. of European Regulation no. 679/2016 (General Data Protection Regulation), you may exercise your rights at any time by contacting the Data Protection Officer (phone Tel: +39 010 28961 - email: [email protected] ).