Two Post-doctoral Positions in Remote Robotic Teleoperation and Immersive Interfaces
- (2400004A)

Project: "ROBOT INSPECTION ASSISTITA DI ATTREZZATURE A PRESSIONE (RIAP)” (Robot Assisted Inspection of Pressure Equipment (RIAP)) in partnership with INAIL
CUP: J53C24000510005
Commitment & contract: collaboration contract, 30 months or until March 31st 2027 (end of the project)
Location: IIT CRIS – Via S. Quirico 19/D, Genova

WHO WE ARE
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 inter-connected with the other 11 centers around Italy and two outstations based in the US for a truly interdisciplinary experience.

YOUR TEAM
The VICARIOS Lab is part of the Advanced Robotics research unit, directed by Prof. Darwin Caldwell. This large department focuses on an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to robot design and control, and the development of novel robotic components and technologies for applications in medical, surgical, and rehabilitation robotics, exoskeletons and force augmentation, manipulation and dexterous manipulators, telepresence and teleoperation, industrial automation and robotics, active perception and learning, inspection robotics, hyper-redundant robots, robot dynamics and “fast” robot and robots for hazardous environments.
You will be working in a multi-disciplinary group, where researchers from a range of scientific and engineering backgrounds collaborate to create novel solutions to key problems in robotics.
The position is within the VICARIOS lab, coordinated by Dr. Yonas Tefera. This is an inter-disciplinary group, with experts in human-computer interaction, VR/AR, telepresence, control modeling, biomechanical simulations, and human factors. The research outcomes are targeted at simplifying the lives of human operators (industrial workers, emergency responders, frontline workers) through advances in HCI paradigms. The project aims at the development and integration of technologies in immersive 3D user interaction experience for tele-locomotion and tele-manipulation for field robots.
The candidates will build on the recent results achieved in successfully using mixed reality interfaces for remote robotic teleoperation, improving the performance of the user in task execution. The goal is to design and develop novel approaches in teleoperation to assist a teleoperator in controlling an autonomous and/or semi-autonomous self-propelled robotic platform capable of inspecting pressure equipment, providing the operator with remote supervision in complete safety, with the teleoperator immersed in a mixed reality environment. On the teleoperator side, high performance pilot devices will be used e.g., Force Dimension Omega.7, HAPTION Virtuose 6D RV, HTC Vive VR Pro eye, meta quest pro, Varjo XR-4 etc. On the robot side, robotic manipulators include SUMMIT-XL MOBILE ROBOT, Franka Emika Panda, etc. The candidate should have proficiency in dexterous telemanipulation and a strong portfolio of practical projects. A background in applied machine learning in the robotic teleoperation context (full teleoperation vs. shared autonomy) will be highly appreciated.
The successful candidates will take a leading role in organizing the research and development activities in the assigned tasks and accomplishing high quality publications and live demonstrations.
We are looking for dynamic, motivated researchers with a Ph D in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, or other fields and proven expertise in telerobotic systems, robotic programming, and applied machine learning.

WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU SHINE

• Ph D in robotics and perception, computer science, engineering or related fields;
• Strong publication record at top robotics venues (e.g., IEEE, ICRA, IROS, T-RO, RAS, etc.);
• Required experience in implementation and programming in C/C++ in Linux-based systems using multi-threading;
• Required experience with robotic programming and software, e.g., ROS, Gazebo, etc.
• Experience with interactive and immersive user interaction systems using mixed reality systems, e.g., Unity, Unreal, etc., is a definite plus!
• Experience in applied machine learning / deep learning for robotic navigation / manipulation is a plus;
• Required experience with version control software, e.g., git, svn;
• This is an applied research position, so evidence of applied / practical research accomplishment is vital;
• Strong team player, able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary, international research team and carry out tasks autonomously;
• Strong English language skills (both written and spoken) are required.

EXTRA AWESOME

• Good communication skills
• Strong problem solving attitude
• High motivation to learn
• Spirit of innovation and creativity
• Good in time and priority management

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Competitive salary package for international standards
• Wide range of staff discounts

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• An equal, inclusive and multicultural environment ready to welcome you with open arms. Discrimination is a big NO for us!
• An open and curious environment that encourages you to mingle and collaborate.
• If paperwork is not to your liking, we are here to help. There is a specialized team working to help you with that, especially during your relocation.
• If you are an entrepreneurial or a business-minded person, you will find some exceptionally gifted professionals ready to nurture and guide you to attain your 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!

If you feel this tickles your appetite for change, do not hesitate and apply!
Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, a brief cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications) and contact details of at least 2 references.
Expected start date: October 2024, or as soon as possible.
The call will remain open until the position is filled.

We inform you that the information you provide will be used solely for the purposes of evaluating and selecting professional profiles in order to meet the requirements of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.
Your data will be processed by Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, based in Genoa, Via Morego 30, acting as Data Controller, in compliance with the rules on protection of personal data, including those related to data security.
Please also note that, pursuant to articles 15 et. seq. of European Regulation no. 679/2016 (General Data Protection Regulation), you may exercise your rights at any time by contacting the Data Protection Officer (phone Tel: +39 010 28961 - email: dpo@iit.it ).

Primary Location GENOVA

Job Postdoc

Organization Advanced Robotics

Job Posting Aug 29, 2024, 4:52:08 AM