Post-doc Opening: Predictive Control of Leg Muscle Dynamics via Wearable Exoskeletons

We are seeking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop real-time, predictive control frameworks for ankle exoskeletons that regulate calf muscle-tendon forces during human locomotion. A central goal is the short-term (millisecond-scale) estimation and prediction of muscle activation and tendon force over a prediction horizon (e.g., 200 ms), with validation using ultrasound measurements of the Achilles tendon. The position is at the intersection of musculoskeletal biomechanics, AI-based prediction, and real-time exoskeleton control.

Research Focus
The successful candidate will work on the development of predictive, real-time control frameworks for ankle exoskeletons that regulate muscle–tendon forces during locomotion.

This includes:

• Developing and calibrating real-time musculoskeletal ankle models (using CEINMS-RT), with emphasis on the Achilles tendon.
• Combining AI-based prediction (e.g., TCNN, LSTM, etc) with musculoskeletal models to estimate and predict muscle activation and tendon force over short horizons (e.g. ~200 ms).
• Integrating these predictions into model-predictive control (MPC) or reinforcement learning (RL) frameworks to compute optimal exoskeleton assistance in real time.
• Validating the developed methods in human experiments using motion capture, electromyography, ultrasound, and dynamometry.

Your Tasks:

• Developing and validating subject-specific musculoskeletal ankle models.
• Combining AI-based prediction with MSK models for real-time muscle-tendon force estimation.
• Designing predictive control strategies that regulate muscle-tendon loading via wearable exoskeletons.
• Implementing and testing control algorithms in simulation and real-time settings.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Robotics, Control, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience with:
• Model predictive control and/or reinforcement learning
• Musculoskeletal or biomechanical modelling
• Control of wearable robots or exoskeletons
• Real-time programming (C++, Python)

Knowledge of the following is a plus:

• Real-time communication systems (e.g. EtherCAT, CAN bus)
• Closed-loop control of robotic systems
• Experience with experimental human movement data (EMG, ultrasound, motion capture)

You are creative, proactive, and comfortable working at the interface of AI, physics-based modelling, and control.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a cutting-edge research project.
• Collaborate with leading researchers across Europe.
• Work in a vibrant academic environment at one of the Netherlands’ top technical universities.
• Access to state-of-the-art lab computational and robotics facilities.

We offer a position with a generous allowance:

• A full-time 2-year position, with possibility of up 6 months extension), with 30% tax ruling option and a pension scheme.
• A salary of €4241,- or €4412,- depending on your years of experience.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• A minimum of 29 holidays.
• Professional and personal development programs.
• Access to neuromechanics, robotics and AI-compute facilities.
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
• Proximity to Enschede, a mid-size city with a large social offer, immersed in the nature of the Twente region.
• Fun work atmosphere with social lab retreats.

Apply by 23:59 on February the 15th, 2026. Interviews will take place in the week of March 9th. Expected starting date is May 2026. Applications should include the following documents:

• A video (2-minute max) describing your scientific interests and why you are applying for this position.
• A cover letter (1-page max) specifying how your experience and skills match the position as well as summarizing your scientific work.
• A CV including English proficiency level, nationality, visa requirements, date of birth, experience overview, and publication list.
• Contact information for at least three academic references. A support letter will be requested by us only if your application is considered

Screening is part of the procedure.

For more information on the open position, you can contact Prof. Massimo Sartori, mail: m.sartori@utwente.nl. Please, only apply via the web platform. Please, do not apply via email.