Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Biomechanical Modelling and Wearable Robotics

Location: Central Oxford

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join RADlab (www.radlab-oxford.com) at the Department of Engineering Science (central Oxford). The post is funded by UKRI and is fixed-term to 31st May 2028.

You will develop computational models to guide the design of wearable robots that deliver assistive forces and joint torques. The research will examine how robotic assistance affects human movement, muscle activity and joint loading, supporting the development of effective soft and hybrid wearable devices. 

You will be responsible for: 

• Developing musculoskeletal models of human movement to predict muscle forces, joint loads and the effects of wearable robotic assistance.
• Simulating human-robot interaction to determine the force, torque and timing requirements of assistive devices during relevant movements, including upper-body tasks and/or gait cycles.
• Using simulation and optimisation to guide actuator placement, device geometry and assistance strategies, accounting for the mechanical behaviour of soft actuators and their attachment to the body.
• Collaborating with experimental researchers to validate models against motion, force and, where available, EMG measurements, and to inform successive device designs. 

You should possess:

• A PhD, or be near completion of a PhD, in Engineering, Biomechanics, Robotics, Computational Mechanics or a closely related discipline.
• Research experience in musculoskeletal modelling or the simulation of human movement, including upper-body biomechanics and/or gait analysis.
• A strong understanding of human movement mechanics, including inverse dynamics, muscle recruitment and the interpretation of joint forces and torques.
• Proficiency in relevant modelling tools, such as OpenSim, AnyBody or equivalent software, and in Python or MATLAB for numerical analysis and optimisation.
• Experience in wearable robotics, soft robotics, exoskeletons or closely related human-robot interaction research. Experience with rigid or hybrid exoskeletons is also relevant.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to your career stage, strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet research milestones.

Experience in EMG processing, wearable sensor data analysis, assistive control strategies or finite-element modelling of soft devices and body interfaces would be advantageous.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Antonio Elia Forte (email: antonio.forte@eng.ox.ac.uk)

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

Only online applications received before midday on 2nd November 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology. 

Modelling, Robotics, Wearable-Robotics, Exoskeleton, Simulation

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