Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Wearable Robotics
Develop soft wearable robotic devices and upper-body assistive technologies at the University of Oxford.
Best for:Best for robotics and biomechanics researchers with strong expertise in soft robotic fabrication and experimental testing.
Overview
The Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join RADlab. Funded by UKRI, the appointment runs until May 2028 and focuses on creating wearable robotic devices that provide mechanical assistance and joint torques for upper-body movements. The successful candidate will combine soft robotic actuation, device fabrication, and experimental biomechanics to evaluate and improve device performance. Applicants are expected to conduct rigorous testing, collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, and translate experimental findings into innovative design iterations.
What you'll do
- Design and fabricate wearable soft robotic devices that supply mechanical assistance during upper-body movements.
- Develop experimental protocols to characterize actuator force, joint assistance, range of motion, and load transfer between the device and the human body.
- Evaluate and optimize device performance, repeatability, durability, and comfort via mechanical testing and human movement measurements.
- Collaborate with researchers specializing in biomechanical modeling and robotics to translate experimental results into enhanced designs.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in Engineering, Biomechanics, Robotics or a closely related discipline, or near completion
Language: English
Instruction: English
Publications: A record of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to your career stage
- Experience in experimental biomechanics focusing on the upper body, shoulder, arm, or trunk
- Practical expertise in designing, fabricating, and testing robotic devices using moulding, casting, additive manufacturing, or textile fabrication
- Research background in soft robotics, wearable robotics, or rigid and hybrid exoskeletons
- Proficiency in actuator characterization, instrumentation, and data acquisition
- Working knowledge of Python or MATLAB for experimental data analysis
- A record of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career stage
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-02
Submit an online application through the university portal before the midday deadline on 2nd November 2026. Ensure all required application documents including a covering letter, CV, research statement, and referee details are uploaded properly.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research statement
- 2 reference letters
Contact
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