Post Doc in Soft Robotics

Commitment & contract: Collaboration fixed-term contract, up to 24 months

At IIT, we are committed to advancing human-centered Science and Technology to address the most urgent societal challenges of our era. We foster excellence in both fundamental and applied research, spanning fields such as neuroscience and cognition, humanoid technologies and robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and material sciences, offering a truly interdisciplinary scientific experience. Our approach integrates cutting-edge tools and technology, empowering researchers to push the limits of knowledge and innovation. With us your curiosity will know no bounds.

We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity in all its forms, creating an inclusive environment. We value the unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, cultures and perspectives of our people. By embracing diversity, we believe science can achieve its fullest potential.

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where junior and senior scientists collaborate, each with their expertise, to carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal.

The Bioinspired Soft Robotics Research Unit is coordinated by Dr. Barbara Mazzolai. The Unit focuses on studying soft-bodied organisms—such as animals and plants—to design adaptive systems capable of interacting with complex, unstructured, and constrained environments, including underground settings, marine, and natural scenarios, and even space applications.

We are seeking a motivated candidate to join our team in the design and development of novel soft robotic systems. This role will involve:

• Designing and developing soft robotic solutions inspired by soft-bodied animals and plants.
• Investigating novel actuation mechanisms enabling integrated sensing, adaptability, and embodied intelligence in soft robotic systems.
• Developing multi-modal and adaptive movement strategies to enhance system maneuverability in constrained and complex environments.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge research combining biology and engineering, contribute to advancements in bioinspired soft robotics systems and collaborate with a diverse team of experts across various fields.

Within the research team, your main responsibilities will be:

• Conducting theoretical and hands‑on research.
• Developing application-driven soft robotic solutions for environmental monitoring, soil exploration, underwater manipulation, and space applications.
• Collaborating with a team of experts, including mechanical and electronic engineers, chemists, and environmental scientists.
• Preparing and contributing to scientific publications.

• Ph.D. in Robotics, Soft Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive expertise in soft robotics, with a focus on soft actuator design and fabrication.
• Experience and knowledge of 3D printing and fast prototyping techniques.
• Strong publication record.
• Good command of spoken and written English.

• Strong analytical reasoning and problem‑solving attitude.
• Excellent teamwork capabilities.
• Ability to properly report, organize, and publish research data.
• Experience or interest in bio-inspired design and soft robotics.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and international team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• A yearly gross salary up to €36.000.
• Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract.
• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who have carried scientific research activity permanently abroad and meet specific requirements may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.