PostDoc / Researcher: Myoelectric powered ankle prosthesis; development and testing in real-world scenarios

Job description

The department of Biomechanical Engineering is seeking for an outstanding post-doctoral fellow or researcher to work within our new project PERSONIFY, jointly funded by the Össur and Ottobock Research Trust Fund.  You will join an international team working on a novel and ambitious projects at the frontiers of biomechatronics, wearable robotics and neuromechanial engineering. Within in the project you will collaborate with researchers from Aalborg University, Ottobock, Roessingh Research and Development and Radboud University.

The opening

You will develop a system that integrates the real-time software CEINMS-RT we extended in the EU Simbioncs project with dedicated EMG electrodes and amplifiers, custom-made virbrotactors, and an open-source ankle prosthesis. The system we developed in the Simbionics project could only be used in the laboratory. In the personify we aim to expand this system to make it suited for outdoor conditions and tests in real-world situations with lower-limb amputees.

Your tasks will be:

• Assemble an open-source powered ankle prosthesis based on the Open Source Leg Design. This also involves selection and partial development of EMG electrodes, portable EMG amplifiers, power and battery management system, and microprocessor to run the Simbionics software.
• Program the prosthesis low-level control logic and communication system with CEINMS-RT.
• Adapt the CEINMS-RT toolbox to operate in an embedded hardware.
• To integrate the prosthesis with the aforementioned hardware components.
• Document the system following the European medical device regulation (MDR).
• Evaluation with different lower-limb amputees in collaboration with our clinical partners
• Write scientific articles to disseminate your results
• Contribute to writing follow-up grants

Your work will be facilitated by in-house expertise and mentorship. You will collaborate with top scientists on biomechatronics and neuromechanical modelilng experts.

Your profile

• A PhD or Msc. in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or Biomedical Engineering.
• Experience with embedded hardware specification and implementation.
• Experience with firmware programming for embedded systems.
• Experience with signal collection and processing (experience with electromyography is a plus).
• Computer programming (C++ required, Python is a plus)
• Experience with mechatronic devices is a plus.
• Interpersonal and organizational skills, with high motivation and both oral, as well as written communication abilities.
• Coordinating undergraduate and graduate students.
• Proficient in written and oral English.

Our offer

• A full-time for 15-18 months.
• Gross salary between € 3345,- and €5.278,- per month depending on education, experience and qualifications;
• An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus of 8.3%
• A minimum of 29 holidays.
• Professional and personal development programs.
• Access to outstanding facilities.
• Proximity to Enschede, a mid-size city with a large social offer, immersed in the nature of the Twente region.
• Fun work atmosphere with social lab retreats.
• A solid pension scheme.

Information and application

Apply by October 7th, 2024.
Applications must include the following documents:

• A video (2-minute max) describing your scientific interests and why you want to apply for this position.
• A cover letter (1-page max) specifying how your experience and skills match the position as well as summarizing work in your masters.
• A CV including English proficiency level, nationality, visa requirements, date of birth, experience overview, and publication list.
• Contact information for at least two academic references. A support letter will be requested only if your application is considered.
• The first interview will take place in the week of October 14th. The start of the contract is expected as soon as possible and no later than February 2025.

For questions, please contact Prof. Massimo Sartori, mail: m.sartori@utwente.nl. Please, only apply via the web platform and not via email.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.