[Opt-Net] Postdoc and PhD positions at Heidelberg University

[Katja Mombaur]

The Research Group „Optimization, Robotics and Biomechanics“ at the Institute of Computer Engineering at Heidelberg University has several immediate openings for researchers at the PhD and PostDoc level.

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1) PostDoc position "Algorithms for analysis and control of stability of human movement"

Tasks:
- Model-based analysis of the stability of human movement
- Development of optimal control and nonlinear model predictive control algorithms for mechanical systems
- Design and implementation of real-time stability assessment algorithms
- Design and implementation of real-time stability control algorithms for assistive devices / wearable robots
- Testing and validation of control algorithms on real system in motion capture experiments
- Project management

The ideal candidate has a strong mathematical / control background with excellent PhD and Master/Bachelor degrees in (Applied) Mathematics, Engineering or in a related field with a focus on (real-time) optimization and/or optimal control of ODE/DAE systems or other advanced control methods, as well as excellent programming skills. In addition, they should be interested to work in an interdisciplinary collaborative project involving mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers, psychologists, clinicians and care specialists. The candidate will be working in close collaboration with another postdoc performing biomechanical measurement and analysis of human movement as well as two PhD students developing assistive devices.

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2) PhD position "Exoskeleton design for elderly persons"

Tasks:
Optimization-based design or adaptation of an existing lower limb exoskeleton to the needs of elderly persons with mobility problems. The PhD project is part of a collaborative project and will include working with partners from clinics, psychology and care experts to assess, design/adapt and validate a lower-limb/lower-back exoskeleton for increasing mobility in elderly patients/users.

The ideal candidate should have completed a Master and Bachelor degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Scince or Engineering with excellent grades and should be interested to work in an interdisciplinary collaboration of mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers, psychologists, clinicians and care specialists. Knowledge in mechanical modeling, optimization and optimal control, design of assistive devices or biomechanics and stability of elderly people will be helpful for this position.

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3) PostDoc position "Control of humanoid robots"

Tasks:
- Humanoid robot modeling and control with a focus on optimal control and nonlinear model-predictive control
- Implementation of algorithms on different humanoid robot platforms
- Robot-robot collaboration
- Collaboration with non-technical departments (medicine, psychology, etc) in the context on human-robot-interaction
- Teaching in robotics at MSc level
- Contribution to applications for third-party funding in the area of humanoid robotics

The ideal candidate as a strong background in robotics and control with excellent PhD and Master/Bachelor degrees in in Robotics, Computer science, Engineering, Physics or a related subject. They should have worked during their PhD phase in a high-class humanoid robotics lab working directly with the robots, but also have knowledge in model-based optimization, motion planning and control as well as excellent programming skills.
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Heidelberg University strives to achieve gender balance at all levels of employment. We therefore particularly encourage female candidates to apply for this position. With appropriate qualifications, applications from persons with handicaps will be treated with preference.

Please send applications including the following material tokatja.mombaur at ziti.uni-heidelberg.de
	• Motivation Letter
	• CV
	• PhD thesis (for the PostDoc positions) & Master thesis
	• PhD certificate (for the Postdoc positions) and Study certificates & Transcript of records (BA/MA)
	• Names of potential references

Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled.



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Prof. Dr. Katja Mombaur

Optimization, Robotics and Biomechanics (ORB)
Institute of Computer Engineering (ZITI)
Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR)
Heidelberg Center for Motion Research (HCMR)
Heidelberg University

Mathematikon B ** 3rd floor ** Office L.100
Berliner Str. 45 ** 69120 Heidelberg ** Germany

katja.mombaur at ziti.uni-heidelberg.de
katja.mombaur at iwr.uni-heidelberg.de
http://www.orb.uni-hd.de
http://orb.iwr.uni-heidelberg.de/hcmr

phone: +49-6221-54-14870 or -14872 **  fax: +49-6221-54-14898