Commitment & contract: Technologist level 1, ͂5 years (until the end of the project 14/5/2031)
Location: IIT CRIS – Via San Quirico 19D, Genova
Step into a world of endless possibilities, together let’s leave something for the future!
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.
THE ROLE
You will be working in a multi-disciplinary group, where people with different backgrounds collaborate, each with their own expertise, to support IIT research activity. The Human-Robot Interfaces and Interaction (HRI²) research unit is coordinated by Dr. Arash Ajoudani. We develop intelligent robots that can enable timely, natural, and human-in-command interactions with humans on both cognitive and physical levels, representing the concept of socio-physical interaction. Our multidisciplinary approach spans the theoretical, technical, and practical dimensions of modern collaborative systems.
Within this context, the EPIC project (Ergonomics of Physical and cognitive Interaction in Collaboration) aims to redefine mind–body ergonomics through a holistic integration of cognitive and physical dimensions, leveraging robot-assisted approaches to mitigate occupational risks and enhance human well-being. The project combines behavioral analysis, sensing technologies, information-theoretic modeling, and adaptive human–robot interaction to design next-generation collaborative systems.
This position focuses on the scientific coordination, technological development, and supervision of activities within EPIC, with a strong emphasis on translating advanced research outcomes into deployable solutions. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of novel experimental paradigms, oversee technical implementations, and support technology transfer towards industrial stakeholders.
Within the team, your main responsibilities will be:
- Leading and coordinating technical activities related to cognitive and physical ergonomics assessment, including sensing, data acquisition, and analysis pipelines.
- Supervising the development and integration of experimental platforms involving wearable devices, vision-based systems, and collaborative robots.
- Contributing to the formulation and validation of models linking cognitive load, motor behavior, and physical interaction, including information-theoretic approaches (e.g., entropy-based analysis).
- Supporting the design and implementation of adaptive human–robot interaction strategies, including co-evolutionary paradigms and model predictive control frameworks.
- Providing scientific and technical supervision to junior researchers, PhD students, and technical staff involved in the project.
- Driving technology transfer and innovation activities, facilitating the translation of research results into industry-relevant solutions, prototypes, and demonstrators.
- Collaborating with academic and industrial partners, contributing to project reporting, dissemination, and exploitation activities.
- Supporting experimental campaigns, data validation, and performance benchmarking in real-world or industrially relevant scenarios.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- A PhD degree in Robotics, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Proven solid experience in human–robot interaction, social and/or physical ergonomics (both will be a big plus), or related interdisciplinary domains.
- Strong background in system integration, experimental design, and validation of complex robotic or mechatronic systems.
- Experience in supervising technical or research activities and coordinating small teams or project tasks.
- Solid understanding of data analysis methods and modeling techniques (e.g., statistical analysis, signal processing, or information theory concepts).
- Good knowledge of the English language.
- Good focus on stakeholder needs, including industrial relevance and technology impact.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- Experience with cognitive ergonomics, behavioral analysis, or human state estimation techniques.
- Knowledge of robotics frameworks and tools (e.g., ROS, MATLAB/Simulink, Python-based ecosystems).
- Familiarity with control strategies for collaborative robots, including adaptive or predictive control methods.
- Ability to work in a challenging and international environment.
- Capacity to work autonomously while providing leadership within an interdisciplinary team.
- Strong problem-solving attitude, analytical reasoning skills, and a proactive, innovation-driven mindset.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
- A yearly gross salary ranging between 40 and 48K Euros, which may include a bonus option depending on your role and contract
- Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract
- Two days of teleworking per week and flexible working hours are available for certain roles
- Meal vouchers depending on your work contract
- Candidate holding a university degree who have not been resident in Italy in the last 3 years and move back to Italy to start any work activity, and meet specific requirements, can benefit from a 50% deduction on their income.
This open position is financed by Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca (MUR) nell’ambito del “Bando FIS – Fondo Italiano per la Scienza – PROCEDURA COMPETITIVA PER LO SVILUPPO DELLE ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA FONDAMENTALE, A VALERE SUL FONDO ITALIANO PER LA SCIENZA 2024–2025 (BANDO FIS 3)” – MACROSETTORE PE – Physical Sciences and Engineering, Decreto Direttoriale n. 1802 del 21/11/2024, e il Decreto “Approvazione delle Graduatorie Finali, Ammissione a Finanziamento – Disposizioni per l’avvio delle Attività Progettuali” prot. n. 18010 del 12/11/2025, within “The Ergonomics Embodied: Predictive and Inter-Causal Representation of Mind and Body in Robot-Assisted Occupational Ergonomics” project; Acronym: EPIC; Grant Agreement number: FIS-2024-026564; CUP: J53C25002230001.
Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, research statement, 3 papers and 3 reference letter.
The call will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
