Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

Postdoc in Soft Tactile Sensor Arrays for Food Manipulation

Italy

Commitment & contract: Postdoc – Duration 24 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

The Soft Biorobotics Perception Research Unit is led by Dr. Lucia Beccai. You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group and collaborate to carry out common research with outstanding facilities.

The post is based on a research project funded by RAISE Project “Robotics and AI for Socio-economic Empowerment”, ECS_00000035 J33C22001220001 and the European Union's Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme entitled “Morphing Computerized mats with Embodied Sensing and Artificial Intelligence - MOZART” - (Grant Agreement No. 101069536, https://mozart-robotics.eu/)  coordinated by ITU Copenhagen in which SBRP is a Partner. MOZART project aims to develop general-purpose, AI-powered robot technology for the handling of soft objects with specific demonstrators in the food processing industry. The focus is on the implementation of a new generation of soft robotics that can work side-by-side with humans and complement the workforce pushing the boundaries of food industry towards economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

For this post, the research aim is to design, fabricate and test innovative fully integrated sensing solutions for food manipulation.

Within the team, your main responsibilities will be:

  • Design and development of soft tactile sensing arrays
  • Characterization of tactile transducers
  • Design of custom electronics and PCB miniaturization
  • System integration and signal acquisition

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ph.D. in electrical or electronic engineering
  • Documented experience and strong skills in:
    • Design and characterization of tactile sensors
    • Hardware and firmware development
    • Electronic design, signal acquisition and processing
  • A strong publication record
  • Documented experience in coaching junior scientists
  • The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data
  • Good command in spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

  • Knowledge and/or experience in one (or more) of the following areas will be an added value:
    • microfabrication technologies
    • integration of different sensors in one platform
  • 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
  • Wide range of staff discounts
  • Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract
  • 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, university transcripts, cover letter (outlining motivation and qualifications) and contact details of 2 references.

Application’s deadline: 11th, May, 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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