Post-Doc in Vision- Surgical Robot Control

Post-Doc in Vision-based Surgical Robot Control

Commitment & contract:
Post-Doc, 24 months

Location:

Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Via San Quirico 19D, 16163 Genova (GE), Italy

The Institute for Advanced Technology (IIT) is a leading research institution in engineering and technology, fostering excellence in both fundamental and applied research across a range of fields including robotics, AI, nanotechnology, and material sciences. IIT offers an interdisciplinary scientific experience, leveraging cutting-edge tools and technology to advance human-centered science and technology for societal challenges.

We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity in all its forms, creating an inclusive environment.

You will work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary group of junior and senior scientists collaborating on shared research goals.

The Biomedical Robotics Lab, coordinated by Dr. Leonardo De Mattos, focuses on human-centered medical robotic technologies, including microsurgery, disease detection and diagnosis, assistive interfaces and general healthcare. The lab is part of the Advanced Robotics research unit directed by Prof. Darwin Caldwell, which covers robot design, control and new applications across medical, surgical and rehabilitation robotics, exoskeletons and other domains.

This position is part of Horizon Europe project AIRCARE, which aims to advance robotics and AI technologies for diagnosis and treatment of upper aerodigestive tract diseases. The project has completed a definition of requirements, specifications, design and preliminary prototyping. The next phase involves user testing and iterative system improvements.

The selected candidate will join the AIRCARE consortium and work with engineers and surgeons to refine, validate, deploy and clinically test a novel robot-assisted laser microsurgery system for the upper aero-digestive tract. Core focus is on vision systems that add autonomy to surgical robots, with lab and OR testing.

• Design, implementation and testing of vision systems for surgical task autonomy
• Contribution to the documentation needed for clinical trials
• Extensive experimentation with partner surgeons
• Preparation of reports and scientific papers

• PhD degree in engineering, computer science or related field
• Experience with vision systems
• Experience in control of robotic systems
• Experience in medical robotics
• Strong publication record
• Strong interest in medical devices
• Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment
• Analytical reasoning skills and growth mindset
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Availability to work in Genoa, Italy

• Experience with real-time vision systems
• Experience in control of robotic arms such as Kuka Med, UR5 or Franka
• Experience in automation and/or autonomous systems
• Knowledge of study design and experimental data analysis
• Research experience in the context of robotic microsurgery
• Experience in development of medical devices under MDR
• Experience in clinical trials
• Proficiency in Italian
• Ability to work in a challenging international environment

• A yearly gross salary ranging between 37,500€ and 45,000€
• Private health care coverage depending on role and contract
• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens with permanent abroad research activity may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% for 6 to 13 years

This open position is financed by the European Commission within the AIRCARE project (GA No. ).