Doctoral student in Biomechatronics and Soft Wearable Exoskeletons - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Engineering mechanics.

People with disabilities are the largest minority group in the world. Despite this, we as scientists have relatively little ability to prevent the long-term downward spiral which occurs when their primary disability causes secondary consequences on the body.

This PhD student project is part of a larger project BADASS (Biomechanics of motion disorders and assistance): Through efficient collaboration between new and established multiprofessional networks, the BADASS project will build up fundamental knowledge of tissue and systemic behavior in people with disabilities through studies that span several biological scales. This PhD project aims to design and develop robotic aids that complement one's physical function and give one the opportunity to locomote and perform daily activities optimally according to one's abilities. We focus on soft, compliant tools for the lower extremities. The doctoral student shall, through simulation-based design and prototyping, develop devices that sense and provide assistance-as-needed that complements the user's own abilities. The devices should reduce the users' metabolic energy demands and increase their ability to perform daily activities.

The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council and by the Promobilia Foundation. The target group includes individuals with physical disabilities due to pathology, injury or age.

A successful candidate will have a master's degree or equivalent in mechatronics, mechanical engineering, engineering physics, controls engineering, or equivalent. It is important that you have good knowledge in programming and sensor technology. It is also very important that you are genuinely interested in helping people with disabilities, and that you have good social skills and English technical writing skills. Previous work with assistive technology is of great merit, but is not a requirement.

The research group is located at KTH Mechanics, with partners in Sweden and abroad.

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic international research environment in close cooperation with industries and advanced universities the world over.
• Life-long network through KTH's Alumni organization.
• A personal study plan to support your development within your areas of interest.
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement.
• Work and study in Stockholm, one of Europe´s fastest growing capitals, which is close to both nature and the sea.
• Help to relocate and get settled in Sweden and at KTH.
• Optionally: describe briefly what your group, the project and / or KTH can offer.

Eligibility

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a degree at advanced level,
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
• in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Solid experience with project design and development on an advanced scale, as well as entrepreneurship, are also meritorious and can provide eligibility.

Selection

In order to succeed as an doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. In the selection of the applicants, the following will be assessed:

• ability to independently pursue his or hers work,
• ability to collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach,
• analyse and work with complex issues and
• good ability to write and speak in English is required. A genuine desire to learn Swedish is an advantage. It is also important to have social skills to interact with potentials wearers, young and old. 

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and personal suitability.

Target degree: Doctoral degree.

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those who are or have been admitted to third-cycle studies may be employed as a doctoral student. The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year and may thereafter be extended. Doctoral students may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/entral European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Gender equality, diversity and zero tolerance against discrimination and harassment are important aspects of KTH's work with quality as well as core values in our organization.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.