<!--anchor--> <!--anchor--> Research Assistant in Soft Robotics <!--anchor-->

Research in the Department of Surgical and Interventional Engineering within the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences focuses on developing robotic systems for minimally invasive surgeries. The primary activity relating to this post is robotic intraspinal catheterisation. The project, a 3-years collaboration with an EU-wide consortium (IEC Pathfinder scheme), aims to develop a soft everting robot that navigates the subarachnoid space of the spine to deliver therapy-loaded scaffolds to the brain ventricles. Our vision is that with localised therapy delivery, diseases such as Alzheimer’s can be better managed. 

The robotic technology behind the project relates to everting robots. This class of robots “unfolds” within the anatomy rather than being inserted/pushed. This navigation approach minimises friction and shear forces to delicate tissue and can conform to the anatomy through patient-specific designs. Within the project, we want to create technology for soft everting robots that have high aspect ratio, miniature diameters, and stiffening capabilities. This job opening is for a research assistant to investigate robot stiffening approaches. Examples include low-melting point metals, granular jamming etc. The developed system will be evaluated via in vitro experiments in relevant phantoms. It is expected that the successful candidates will hold a post-graduate degree in engineering, physics, or relevant discipline. Experience in robot materials, design, modelling and prototyping is preferred. 

The post holder will be employed within the School Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences in the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King’s College London. The successful applicant will be mostly based on the St. Thomas’ Hospital campus. 

King’s College London recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its academic and economic strengths. 

This post will be offered on a fixed term contract for 2 years, with possibility of extension for a 3rd year. 

This is a full-time post.

•       Design of soft everting elements  

•       Innovation on everting robot manufacturing 

•       Innovation on stiffening approaches for soft everting robots 

•       Development of stiffness controllers and models 

•       Evaluation of prototypes with experiments 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate: 

•          Good knowledge of mechanical design concepts. 

•          Good knowledge of a computer aided design software. 

•          Good knowledge of and experience using MATLAB and/or Simulink. 

•          Knowledge of robot kinematics and dynamics. 

•          Knowledge of materials and their mechanical properties. 

Experience in the following is a plus for this post: 

•          Lab experience. 

•          Soft robotics. 

•          Robot Operating System (ROS). 

Essential criteria  

1.       MSc/MEng degree (or near completion) in robotics, control, computer science, or a closely related field. 

2.       Background in robotics, in particular materials and mechanisms. 

3.       Proficient oral and written English skills. 

4.       Hands-on experience in conducting experiments in lab settings, and presenting the findings of research through reports and publications.