PhD and Postdocs at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

In this post, the open, fully-funded PhD and Academic Vacancies at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) are listed. As the vacancies expire occasionally, this post is being updated continuously and new posts/jobs will be added.

Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

Italian Institute of Technology (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Italian) known as IIT is one of the youngest but most respected research centers in Italy. The Italian Institute of Technology was founded in the year of 1964 to advance research, innovation, and education in science, technology, and society. It has also been recognized for its high-quality education. In total, around 1700 staff works in the center, with different backgrounds and ethnicity from more than 60 countries.

Genoa is located in Italy, a country with more than half a million people. The location of the city is very special in that it is surrounded by the Ligurian Sea and the Apennine Mountains. Note that the University of Genoa has more than 40000 enrolled students (both undergraduate and graduate). The IIT is not the only research center across the city.

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Fully Funded PhD positions at the Italian Institute of Technology (Vacancies at Italian Institute of Technology)

In the following, vacancies at the Italian Institute of Technology such as PhD, and Professorship positions are listed. You can find the application deadline for each post at the end of each vacancy advert.

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Open Postdoc positions at the Italian Institute of Technology (Vacancies at Italian Institute of Technology)

In the following, vacancies at the Italian Institute of Technology such as Postdoctoral, and Professorship positions are listed. You can find the application deadline for each post at the end of each vacancy advert.

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Position Title: Postdoc on Perception and Situational Awareness for mobile robots

Location: IIT – Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems

Position Type: 2 years fixed term contract with renewal option

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

You will be working within the Humanoid & Human Centred Mechatronics Research Line, a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group with strong expertise in robot design, modelling and control of new mechatronics components.  The Humanoid & Human Centred Mechatronics Research Line is coordinated by Nikos Tsagarakis, who has extensive experience in Robotics and Mechatronics and Control. The research focuses on robot design exploring state of art design approaches (structural, actuation and transmission systems) combined with advancements in control including whole body loco-manipulation generation, balancing regulation, physical interaction and teleoperation control.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

We are looking for highly motivated, outstanding scientist with a background and PhD in Robotics or Software Engineering and strong background and interest in perception system development for legged and mobile robots. Proficiency in robot perception and state estimation with a proven portfolio of practical projects, and excellent hands-on / practical skills are essential. Excellent C++, Python programming, software design skills under Linux, experience with software integration and testing frameworks, e.g. Travis, and expertise with ROS are fundamental required competences.

The ideal candidate should also possess one or more of the followings:

• Strong expertise in the localization and mapping terrestrial or flying vehicles and robots
• Expertise State estimation of floating base robots
• Relevant background on environment reconstruction, semantic segmentation and classification
• Expertise on obstacle detection, avoidance and path planning methods for mobile systems in any field
• Expertise on object feature detection, classification and localization
• Real experience on working with different perception sensors systems, 2D/3D cameras and LiDAR, inertial sensors, radar technologies, GPS, and calibration methods
• Real experience in designing, implementing and testing of robust, efficient perception algorithms and development of perception stacks for autonomous mobile systems in general in any field
• Machine learning/deep learning experience applied to perception and any experience with deep Learning frameworks, e.g., Caffe, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and GPU-acceleration frameworks, e.g., CUDA will be a plus.
• Outstanding SW development and programming skills in C++, Python, ROS tools and libraries.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Experience from simulation to physical robot transfer for complex robotic platforms
• Hands on experience with perception tools for mobile/legged robots
• Strong problem solving attitude and analytical thinking
• Flexible and creative team player with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment
• High motivation to learn
• Good communication skills in English
• Good in time and priority management

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Competitive salary package for international standards 
• Private health care coverage 
• Wide range of staff discounts
• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

Learn More and Apply.

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Position Title: PostDoc in additive manufacturing for compliant robotics

Project: Finanziato dall’Unione Europea – NexGeneration EU, nell’ambito del Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza, Missione 4 Componente 2 – Investimento 1.5 – ““RAISE (Robotics and AI for Socio-economic Empowerment”, CUP J33C22001220001)

Commitment & contract: collaborator, fixed term contract, 2 years

Location: Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS) @IIT, Via San Quirico 19D, 16163 Genova (GE), Italia

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The Mechanical WorkShop (MWS) facility supports the research carried out at IIT by providing support in the design, development, and construction of mechanical systems.

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where mechanical, electrical and software engineers, and designers, each with their own expertise, carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal.

The research focuses on designing and developing compliant, soft mechatronic devices to be applied in various environmental sustainability contexts such as hydrogeological risks prevention, damage mitigation, ecosystem restoration and pollutants removal. In this context, we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on applying mechanics, advanced materials, 3D printing and other additive manufacturing technologies to robotics. The primary objective of the research is to design and build a new generation of compliant robots. You will have the opportunity to explore and develop novel solutions for the integrated design of flexible, compliant hardware, with functional, soft materials possibly embedding sensing and lightweight actuators.

Within the team, your main responsibilities will be to carry out theoretical and hands-on research, to design, develop and validate device prototypes and eventually to supervise PhD/MSc students.

This research is financed by the RAISE (Robotics and AI for Socio-economic Empowerment) European Union – NextGenerationEU project within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4, Component 2 Investment 1.4 project.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in Mechanical engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Manufacturing engineering, or a related field;
• Documented experience in device development or product design
• Experience and knowledge in the use of the main additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes
• Good communication skills
• Excellent CAD design skills
• Strong problem-solving attitude
• Good command of spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Deep understanding of additive manufacturing processes
• Experience and knowledge of fabrication of soft materials parts and components
• Experience in user centered design
• Design for manufacturing
• Knowledge of Creo/Parametric or Rhinoceros3D
• High motivation to learn
• Ability to properly report, organize and publish research data
• Documented experience in coaching junior scientists
• Spirit of innovation and creativity
• Strong publication record
• Good at 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 PACKAGE

• Competitive salary package for international standards 
• Private health care coverage (depending on your role and contract)
• Wide range of staff discounts
• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

 WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• An equal, inclusive and multicultural environment ready to welcome you with open arms. Discrimination is a big NO for us!
• We like contamination and encourage you to mingle and discover what other people are up to in our labs! 
• If paperwork is not your piece of cake, we got you! There’s a specialized team working to help you with that, especially during your relocation.
• If you are a startupper or a business-minded person, you will find some exceptionally gifted professionals ready to nurture and guide your attitude and aspirations.
• If you want your work to have a real impact, in IIT you will find an innovative and stimulating culture that drives our mission to contribute to the improvement and well-being of society!
• We stick to our values! Integrity, courage, societal responsibility and inclusivity are the values we believe in. They define us and our actions in our everyday life. They guide us to accomplish IIT mission.

Learn More and Apply.

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Position Title: Post doc position in development of devices and technologies for inclusion and engagement.

Project: Finanziato dall’Unione Europea – NexGeneration EU, nell’ambito del Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza, Missione 4 Componente 2 – Investimento 1.5 – ““RAISE (Robotics and AI for Socio-economic Empowerment”, CUP J33C22001220001)

Commitment & contract: collaboration contract for 2 years, renewable for another year based on merit.

Location: Genoa

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The Mechanical WorkShop (MWS) facility supports the research carried out at IIT by providing support in the design, development, and construction of mechanical systems.

The activities will focus on the development of robotic systems and devices for individuals with and without impairments.

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where mechanical, electrical and software engineers, designers, and psychologists collaborate, each with their expertise, to carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal.

Within the team, your main responsibilities will be:

• Design of mechatronic parts and assemblies.
• Development, testing, and validation of device prototypes.
• Collaboration with other engineering disciplines (electronics, biomedical, robotics, software) to ensure the successful integration of their designs with the rest of the system.

This research is financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU project within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4, Component 2 Investment 1.4.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in Mechanical engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Manufacturing engineering, or a related field;
• Documented experience in device development or product design
• Good communication skills
• Excellent CAD design skills
• Strong problem-solving attitude
• Good command of spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Deep understanding of additive manufacturing processes
• Experience in the design of medical devices
• Experience in user-centered design
• Design for manufacturing
• Knowledge of the Creo/Parametric or Rhinoceros3D
• High motivation to learn
• Ability to properly report, organize, and publish research data
• Documented experience in coaching junior scientists
• Spirit of innovation and creativity
• Strong publication record
• Good 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 PACKAGE

• Competitive salary for international standards
• Private health care coverage 
• Wide range of staff discounts
• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

 WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• An equal, inclusive and multicultural environment ready to welcome you with open arms. Discrimination is a big NO for us!
• We like contamination and encourage you to mingle and discover what other people are up to in our labs! 
• If paperwork is not your piece of cake, we got you! There is a specialized team working to help you with that, especially during your relocation.
• If you are a startupper or a business-minded person, you will find some exceptionally gifted professionals ready to nurture and guide your attitude and aspirations.
• If you want your work to have a real impact, in IIT you will find an innovative and stimulating culture that drives our mission to contribute to the improvement and well-being of society!
• We stick to our values! Integrity, courage, societal responsibility, and inclusivity are the ones we believe in. They define us and our actions in our everyday life. They guide us to accomplish IIT mission.

Learn More and Apply.

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Position Title: Postdoc on Legged Locomotion Control

Commitment & contract: 2 years fixed term contract with renewal option

Location: IIT – Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

You will be working within the Humanoid & Human Centred Mechatronics Research Line, a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group with strong expertise in robot design, modelling and control of new mechatronics components.  The Humanoid & Human Centred Mechatronics Research Line is coordinated by Nikos Tsagarakis, who has extensive experience in Robotics and Mechatronics and Control. The research concentrates on robot design exploring state of art design approaches (structural, actuation and transmission systems) combined with advancements in control including whole body loco-manipulation generation, balancing regulation, physical interaction and teleoperation control.

The selected candidate will be in charge of the development of new algorithms for achieving robust and autonomous legged locomotion and loco-manipulation controllers of a range robotic systems from mobile manipulation platforms to legged robot platforms (CENTAURO, COMAN+) available in the lab with applications in industrial, unstructured environments and warehouse logistics.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

We are looking for highly motivated, outstanding scientist with a background and PhD in Robotics or Software Engineering and strong background and interest in legged locomotion and robot loco-manipulation control.

The ideal candidate should alos possess one or more of the followings:

• Excellent academic and engineering background with hands-on experience in designing and developing control systems for legged robots in diverse environments and crowded areas.
• Solid understanding and hands on experience with legged locomotion modeling, trajectory generation, foot step planning and balancing control (kinematics and dynamics, path planning, dynamic simulation and control software components).
• Strong experience in whole body manipulation control with floating base robots, QP-based dynamic controllers and linear and non-linear MPC.
• Expertise on physical interaction control, contact detection and reaction and impedance control.
• Experience in the development of control frameworks and tools for legged robots.
• Outstanding SW development and programming skills in C++, Python, ROS tools and libraries.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Experience from simulation to physical robot transfer for complex robotic platforms
• Hands on experience with legged robots
• Strong problem solving attitude and analytical thinking
• Flexible and creative team player with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment
• High motivation to learn
• Good communication skills in English
• Good in time and priority management

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Competitive salary package for international standards
• Private health care coverage 
• Wide range of staff discounts
• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

Learn More and Apply.

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Position Title: Post-doc position in Human Robot Interaction for Industrial Collaborative Robots

Location: The Intellimech-IIT joint lab (JOiiNT LAB)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral research fellow to design advanced control for industrial collaborative robots and human-robot interfaces.

The selected candidate will join an interdisciplinary team at the Intellimech-IIT joint lab (JOiiNT LAB), which has the objective of strengthen the IIT technology transfer mission, bridging research activities and industrial needs. JOiiNT LAB core activities are in the field of mechatronics, collaborative robotics, wearable and immersive tele-presence systems for inspection and maintenance. The JOiiNT LAB is located in the heart of Kilometro Rosso Innovation District in Bergamo.

Research Lines involved:

Soft Robotics for Human Cooperation and Rehabilitation (Manuel Catalano)

Humanoid and Human Centered Mechatronics (Nikos Tsagarakis)

Human Robot Interfaces and Physical Interaction (Arash Ajoudani)

The successful applicant will be responsible for the development and implementation of novel algorithms to enable a robust and intelligent control of soft collaborative mobile robots. The position includes theoretical and hands-on research, supervision of PhD and MSc students, preparation of grants and support of the general activities of the lab. The candidates must be capable to collaborate with a large and multidisciplinary team.

Requirements: the successful applicant holds a PhD degree in Robotics or a closely related field and is expected to have:

• Excellent publication record in the area of control, with focus on collaborative and mobile robots, researchers with humanoids control background are encouraged to apply.
• Experience preferred in the following fields:
  • Collaborative robots and physical human-robot interaction.
  • Robotic manipulation, tactile sensing, and grasping.
  • Mobile robots for industrial logistics.
  • Computer vision and multisensory perception. 
• Strong experience and knowledge of programming languages (e.g. C++, Python, Matlab).
• Experience with the Robot Operating System (ROS).
• Confidence with version control tools (e.g. git).
• Strong written and oral communication skills in the English language.
• Independent personality, strong team player.

The salary will depend on qualifications and experience and will include additional health benefits.

Workplace: Bergamo, JOIINT LAB /Genova, IIT.

The activities will be carried out across Genoa IIT headquarters and the JOiiNT LAB spaces at Kilometro Rosso Innovation District in Bergamo. Specifically, the successful candidate is expected to work for the first period in IIT headquarters in Genoa, and afterwards to be located mainly in the JOiiNT LAB in Bergamo.

Learn More and Apply.

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Position Title: Fellow Position on Collaborative Robotics and Human-Robot Interaction

Commitment & contract: 12 months, temporary contract

Location: Genova (GE), Italia

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where biomedical, mechanical, automation and electrical engineers, computational scientists and computer technicians collaborate, each with their own expertise, to carry out common research.

The Human-Robot Interfaces and physical Interactions (HRI2) Research line is coordinated by Dr. Arash Ajoudani, who has extensive experience in physical human-robot interaction, mobile manipulation, robust and adaptive control, assistive robotics, and tele-robotics.

The research focuses on the development and implementation of novel algorithms for intelligent and adaptive control of collaborative robots in response to human dynamic states.

Within the team, your main responsibilities will be:

• theoretical and hands-on research
• contribution to the lab projects
• preparation of grants and support of the general activities of the lab.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• MSc degree with a strong background in one or multiple of the following topics: collaborative robot planning and control, physical human-robot interaction, and human/humanoids modeling.
• Strong skills on C++ and Python
• Experience with ROS
• Confidence with version control tools (specifically git)
• A strong publication record
• The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data
• Good command in spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• 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
• Team work spirit, enthusiasm to participate to international robotics challenges

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Competitive salary package for international standards 
• Wide range of staff discounts
• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

 WHAT’S IN FOR YOU?

• An equal, inclusive and multicultural environment ready to welcome you with open arms. Discrimination is a big NO for us!
• We like contamination and encourage you to mingle and discover what other people are up to in our labs! 
• If paperwork is not your piece of cake, we got you! There’s a specialized team working to help you with that, especially during your relocation! 

• If you are a startupper or a business-minded person, you will find some exceptionally gifted professionals ready to nurture and guide your attitude and aspirations.
• If you want your work to have a real impact, in IIT you will find an innovative and stimulating culture that drives our mission to contribute to the improvement and well-being of society!
• We stick to our values! Integrity, courage, societal responsibility and inclusivity are the values we believe in! They define us and our actions in our everyday life. They guide us to accomplish IIT mission!

Learn More and Apply.

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Position Title: Fellow Positions in developing the next generation of bionic rehabilitation systems (phd iit)

Location: Soft Robotics for human cooperation and rehabilitation (SoftBots) Research Line of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italian Institute of Technology (IIT))

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Required qualifications:

•    Master degree in mechatronics, robotics and control or related fields.

•    Good communication skills and ability to integrate within a multidisciplinary team.

•    Creative, proactive and collaborative attitude.

•    English language skills (written and oral).

Desired qualifications:

• Knowledge of control tools, e.g. Matlab, Simulink.
• Knowledge of C++ and ROS programming.
• Experience with F/T sensors, surface EMG sensors.
• Data acquisition, e.g. with I/O boards or motion capture systems.
• Knowledge of CAD system for robotic design (e.g. Creo).

More Details and Apply.

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You can find all the available full-funded PhD positions in different countries here.

• Germany – Fully Funded PhD
• Switzerland – Fully Funded PhD
• Denmark – Fully Funded PhD
• UK – Fully Funded PhD
• Sweden – Fully Funded PhD
• Finland – Fully Funded PhD
• Netherlands – Fully Funded PhD
• Norway – Fully Funded PhD
• Belgium – Fully Funded PhD
• Austria – Fully Funded PhD
• Australia – Fully Funded PhD
• France – Fully Funded PhD
• New Zealand – Fully Funded PhD
• Canada – Fully Funded PhD
• USA – Fully Funded PhD
• Luxembourg – Fully Funded PhD
• Spain – Fully Funded PhD
• Italy – Fully Funded PhD
• Iceland -Fully Funded PhD

You can find all the available Postdoctoral research positions in different countries here.

Postdoc Positions in Europe:

• Postdoc in Germany
• Postdoc in Switzerland
• Postdoc in Denmark
• Postdoc in the UK
• Postdoc in Sweden
• Postdoc in Finland
• Postdoc in the Netherlands
• Postdoc in Norway
• Postdoc in Belgium
• Postdoc in Austria
• Postdoc in France
• Postdocs in Spain
• Postdoc in Luxembourg
• Postdocs in Italy

Postdoc Positions Beyond Europe:

• Postdoc in Canada
• Postdoc in New Zealand
• Postdocs in the USA

We will update all different types of academic positions (the latest ones) so you can find them on our home page, and also on the academic jobs page. Therefore, make sure to follow our Facebook page to not miss any new vacancies and also enjoy our tips and advice on academic jobs. But if you get bored reading text, watch our PhD and Postdoc-related videos on our YouTube Channel.