Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

Technician for Soft Robotics

Italy

Commitment & contract: Technician - Duration 24 months renewable up to 36 months -  Location: Genova

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 be working in a multi-disciplinary group, where people with different backgrounds collaborate, each with their own expertise, to support IIT research activity.

The Soft Biorobotics Perception Research Unit led by Dr. Lucia Beccai aims at creating new technologies for embodied sensing processes in soft robots and biologically inspired robots that can sense the environment through the sense of touch and intelligently interact with it, for helping humans in the real world.

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where engineers (mechanical, electrical, biomedical etc.), material and computer science experts, collaborate, each with their own expertise, to carry out common research with outstanding facilities.

Within the team, your main responsibilities will be:

  • to manage (running, updating, customizing) simulation tools for the design and optimization of integrated soft systems
  • to technically support the research activities for the development of hybrid (rigid and soft) robotic platforms and actuation systems (design, test)
  • to take care of lab logistics, lab safety procedures, purchasing of goods/equipment

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • A master’s or bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronic, Aerospace or Robotics Engineering or a similar discipline
  • 4-yr professional experience in an experimental laboratory
  • Documented knowledge and experience in:
    • Software/programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Python, LabView, Matlab, etc.) for testing of soft sensors and actuators, and data analysis
    • Finite elements simulation software (e.g., Ansys, Abaqus, SOFA, OpenFoam, etc.)
    • Project development in ROS
    • Design, simulation and testing of soft robotic components and/or compliant mechanisms (actuators, sensors, architected materials, etc.)
    • Design, assembly and test of customized robotic platforms
    • Commercial robotic systems (e.g., Kuka, Universal Robots, etc.)
    • Universal electromechanical testing machines
    • Fabrication through 3D printing techniques commonly used in the soft robotics field (FDM, SLA, SLS, etc.)
  • Good command of the English language
  • Familiarity with CAD tools
  • Experience in writing technical documentation

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

  • PhD in areas related to robotics will be a significant added value
  • Creative and strong attitude at problem solving
  • Good communication skills
  • Good in time and priority management.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

  • Competitive salary package for international standards 
  • Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract
  • Two days of teleworking per week and flexible working hours are available for certain roles
  • Meal vouchers depending on your work contract

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

Application’s deadline: April 20th, 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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