Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

Research fellow for Actuator Design of Humanoid Robots

Italy

Commitment & contract: Collaboration contract, one year
Location: Genoa

Step into a world of endless possibilities, together let’s leave something for the future!

At IIT, we are committed to advancing human-centered Science and Technology to address the most urgent societal challenges of our era. We foster excellence in both fundamental and applied research, spanning fields such as neuroscience and cognition, humanoid technologies and robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and material sciences, offering a truly interdisciplinary scientific experience. Our approach integrates cutting-edge tools and technology, empowering researchers to push the limits of knowledge and innovation. With us, your curiosity will know no bounds.

We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity in all its forms, creating an inclusive environment. We value the unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of our people. By embracing diversity, we believe science can achieve its fullest potential.

THE ROLE

You will join a multi-disciplinary team of developers and designers at the Artificial Mechanical and Intelligence Research Unit, where researchers and engineers collaborate altogether, each with their own expertise, to carry out common research. 

Within the team, your main responsibilities will be:

  • Design high-performance actuators and transmission systems for the next generation of humanoid robots.
  • Develop and optimize motor-reducer units tailored for robotic joints, focusing on efficiency, compactness, and torque control.
  • Design testing setups and validation procedures to assess the performance of the designed components.
  • Define and conduct experiments and mechanical tests to validate the functionality, durability, and efficiency of the actuators.
  • Collaborate with electronics, robotics, and software engineers to ensure seamless system integration

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong CAD design skills (PTC Creo).
  • Experience in Finite Element Analysis (FEM) for structural and dynamic simulations (ANSYS).
  • Knowledge of materials science, mechanical tolerances, and manufacturing processes (CNC machining, additive manufacturing, etc.).
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping and experimental validation of mechanical components.
  • A research-oriented mindset with the ability to translate innovative concepts into functional and manufacturable products.
  • Creative and proactive attitude, with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
  • Proficient in English, written and oral. 

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

  • Experience in actuator design for robotics or automation.
  • Familiarity with motor control, BLDC motors, and torque sensing.
  • Knowledge of robot dynamics and motion control principles.
  • Ability to work with sensors, data acquisition, and mechanical testing tools.
  • Experience with programming (Python, MATLAB) and robotic simulation tools.
  • Experience with mathematical optimization techniques for mechanical systems.
  • Experience with system identification and data analysis.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • Competitive salary for international standards 
  • Wide range of staff discounts
  • Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who have carried scientific research activity permanently abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV.

Application’s deadline: April 13th, 2025

To discover more about life at IIT, visit the dedicated section here: https://www.iit.it/en/work-at-iit

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