Description Project: Funded by Unione Europea – NexGeneration EU, nell'ambito del Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza, Missione 4 "Istruzione e ricerca", Componente 2 "Dalla ricerca all'impresa" – Investimento 1.5 – Creazione e rafforzamento di Ecosistemi dell'Innovazione", costruzione di "leader territoriali di R&S" – progetto RAISE "Robotics and AI for Socio-economic Empowerment", CUP J33C******** )
Commitment & contract: Employee contract for 2 years
Location: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia - Center for Convergent Technologies, Morego, Genoa
ABOUT US At IIT we work enthusiastically to develop human-centered Science and Technology to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times and transfer these technologies to the production system and society. Our Genoa headquarters are strictly interconnected with the other 11 centers around Italy and two outstations based in the US. We promote excellence in basic and applied research such as neuroscience and cognition, humanoid technologies and robotics, nanotechnology, materials for a truly multidisciplinary scientific experience.
OUR TEAM As a selected candidate, you will work in the Bioinspired Soft Robotics (BSR, ) Research Line led by Dr. Barbara Mazzolai in Genoa.
The BSR Research Line aims to design and develop new robotic solutions and advanced components by taking inspiration from Nature. The group works in a dynamic, international, and multidisciplinary environment, combining engineering and biology and using plants and soft-bodied animals as biological models. Science-based research activities are combined with developing application-driven robotic solutions and technology transfer.
The current position is funded by European Union – NexGeneration EU within the RAISE "Robotics and AI for Socio-economic Empowerment" project and more specifically is in the contest of Spoke 3 'Environmental Caring and Protection Technologies, towards a Zero Emission Environment' activities.
The project aims to develop an ecosystem of robotic platforms, sensors, and AI solutions to acquire data from the environment, patrol and monitor different areas of the Liguria territory and intervene with various technologies to remediate, monitor dangerous areas, collect samples, garbage removal, in water and land scenarios.
In this project the selected candidate will work in close collaboration with other laboratories in IIT, in particular with the the Smart Materials Lab led by Dr Athanassia Athanassiou.
In this context, we are looking for a highly motivated technician to support the research activities by designing, prototyping, and testing advanced bioinspired soft robotic systems. Your main responsibilities include:
Developing mechatronic systems, particularly aiming at physically interfacing different robotic platforms; Developing actuation mechanisms for soft robotic manipulators; Design and development of mockup and setups; Procurement of materials; Interfacing with the mechanical workshop; Prototyping and testing. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS MS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Manufacturing, or related fields; documented previous experience in the development of mechanical systems of at least 2 years strong knowledge of mechanical engineering basis; proficiency in 3D drawing design and related tools (Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or others); experience and knowledge of fast prototyping and 3D printing technologies; analytical reasoning; strong communication and English language skills (written and spoken); teamwork; the ability to properly report, organize, and publish research data. ADDITIONAL SKILLS holding a Ph.D. in one of the fields mentioned above or related is not mandatory, but it will be considered positively; experience and knowledge of one or more of the following prototyping techniques and machining: versa laser, CNC machine, molding and casting, FDM or other 3D printing methods; experience and knowledge of fabrication of soft materials parts and components; previous experience in the design and realization of experimental robotic systems; experience in the field of soft robotics and/or bioinspired robotics. Good communication skills Strong problem-solving attitude High motivation to learn Spirit of innovation and creativity Good at the 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 (Salary can include bonus option depending on your role and contract) 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 IIT 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 values we believe in. They define us and our actions in our everyday life. They guide us to accomplish IIT mission. If you feel this tickles your appetite for change, do not hesitate and apply!
