Wearable robotic devices (e.g. exoskeletons) are currently being developed to enhance mobility in able-bodied subjects, or to restore mobility in persons with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. Recent developments in hardware and controllers enabled large reductions in muscle activity and metabolic energy consumption in able-bodied subjects during walking with exoskeletons. Nevertheless, researchers still struggle to design controllers for wearable robotic devices that do not only reduce effort, but also support balance. In this project we will use a blended experimental and simulation approach to study human balance control and exploit this knowledge to develop balance supporting controllers for exoskeletons.
Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 0.8 – 1
JOB DESCRIPTION
You will work in the department movement sciences and will collaborate with several PhD students, postdocs and staff members within the department. During your PhD program you will read scientific literature, perform motion capture experiments, program controllers for exoskeletons, perform optimal control simulations of human movement, write scientific papers, present at international conferences and take courses for professional and personal development. Because we work together within an international context, there will be the possibility or opportunity to stay abroad. Last but not least, at the end of this four year program you will write your research findings in a PhD thesis and defend it.
REQUIREMENTS
- Master in movement sciences or master in biomedical/mechanical engineering
- You have an interest in computer simulations of human movement
- You have an interest in mechanics and neural control of human movement
- You have an analytical mind, good communication skills and a fluent writing style
WHAT ARE WE OFFERING?
A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,541 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,539 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.
The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a duration of 4 years.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:
- a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment, 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus, solid pension scheme (ABP)
- Opportunities for further professional development (e.g., by taking additional courses, participating in workshops, seminars and conferences).
- Working in a friendly and exciting environment
- The intended start date is 1st of November 2023.
ABOUT VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM
The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 31,000 students. We employ over 5,000 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.
Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.
Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences
The Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences focuses on the broad domain of behaviour and health. Our teaching and research programmes are devoted to current developments in society, from healthy aging to e-health, from juvenile crime to dealing with depression, from training for top athletes to social media as a teaching tool. We are unique in that we combine three academic disciplines: psychology, movement sciences and education.
Working at Behavioural and Movement Sciences means working in an ambitious organization that is characterized by an informal atmosphere and short lines of communication. Our faculty offers tremendous scope for personal development. We employ more than 600 staff members, and we are home to around 3,400 students.
About the department, institute, project
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APPLICATION
Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until 02/10/2023.
Submitting a diploma and an assessment are part of the application procedure.
Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.
Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:
Name: Maarten Afschrift
Position: assistant professor
E-mail: m.a.afschrift@vu.nl
Telephone:
No agencies