Postdoc AI for Haptics

Haptic Interface Technology Lab (HITLab) seeks a highly motivated postdoc to analyze or synthesize tactile information (e.g., time series data) using supervised and unsupervised learning models.  

Besides, you will develop your

1. a) writing and communication skills by publishing in journals and conferences,
2. b) presentation and networking skills by attending international conferences,
3. c) leadership skills by co-supervising B.Sc./M.Sc./Ph.D. students for their projects and improving lab organization, and
4. d) teaching skills by actively contributing to courses as a teaching assistant,
5. e) gain experience in grant proposal writing.

The Haptic Interface Technology Lab (HITLab) is an interdisciplinary research group led by Dr. Yasemin Vardar at the Human-Robot Interaction Section of the Cognitive Robotics Department of the Delft University of Technology. Our overarching goal is to understand the relationship between the mechanical deformation of human skin and tactile perception and how this relation can be effectively simulated via haptic interfaces in digital environments.

Our team benefits from the collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment of the Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Section, creating versatile development opportunities. We have strong collaboration within and outside of the university.

For more information, you can see our website: https://www.hitlabtud.nl.

We are looking for applicants who have:

• High motivation for working on an interdisciplinary research project.
• Ph.D. degree* in a related subject (Computer science, electronics engineering, mechanical engineering etc.).
• Strong academic performance in relevant area.
• Interest in haptics.
• Dare to dream big and take initiative.
• Hunger for learning "new" things.
• Independent and critical attitude.
• Strong work ethic and integrity.

Candidates who have experience in any of the following attributes:

• Experience applying deep learning models to analyze or synthesize time series data.
• Motivation to apply Marie Curie postdoctoral fellowship for possible extension of the contract are specifically encouraged to apply.

The starting date is flexible, but July/August 2024 is preferable.

* The students who are pursuing an Ph.D. degree with a planned graduation in a couple of months can also apply.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 30 June 2024 via the application button and upload:

• Motivation letter (1-2 pages) explaining your fit for this project by highlighting your related research skills and motivation for this position.
• CV.
• Your Ph.D. thesis or publications (if applicable).
• Name and contact details of at least two referees (preferably your Ph.D. thesis advisor).
• Transcripts of your Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.Sc. studies.

Please note:

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Please apply online through the link; the applications sent by email and/or post will not be considered. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. 
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

• The applications will be evaluated continuously, so you don’t have to wait for the deadline.