PostDoc Fellowship: Neural Control of Leg Exoskeletons Post Stroke.
Postdoc @University of Twente posted 2 days agoJob Description
Are you passionate about neural interfaces, wearable robotics, and rehabilitation technology? The NeuBotics Lab at the University of Twente is looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team as part of the EU HORIZON project SWAG.
Our mission is to restore natural gait patterns in individuals with motor impairment (due to stroke, spinal cord injury etc) through real-time neural control of wearable robotic exoskeletons. You will be developing next-generation (low and high-level) control algorithms for wearable exoskeletons that use motor unit biofeedback for locomotion enhancement of post-stroke ndividuals.
If you’re excited by the idea of translating cutting-edge neuromechanical research into tangible clinical solutions, we encourage you to apply.
The opening:
Wearable robotic exoskeletons are transforming the future of rehabilitation, but interfacing them with the human neuromuscular system remains a challenge, especially in individuals with impairments such as stroke. In this project, we aim to:
- Leverage the lab’s expertise in real-time decomposition of high-density EMG (HD-EMG) to decode individual muscle motor unit activity.
- Integrate this neural information into real-time musculoskeletal modeling using our CEINMS-RT framework.
- Enable neural control of a bilateral cable-driven ankle exoskeleton in post-stroke individuals during walking.
- Apply the novel controller across other assistive systems developed as part of the SWAG Project.
Your tasks will be:
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will lead the development and integration of advanced neuromechanical modeling and control systems. Your core tasks will include:
- Leading the integration of novel control algorithms within the SWAG project in collaboration with the partners.
- Integrating HD-EMG decomposition algorithms with the CEINMS-RT musculoskeletal modeling framework to enable efficient real-time computation of joint kinetics.
- Developing and validating motor unit-driven musculoskeletal models to estimate ankle joint moments during gait in stroke survivors.
- Implementing real-time control strategies for a bilateral ankle exoskeleton based on the validated models.
- Collaborating with clinical partners for in-lab evaluations with individuals with post-stroke or other motor impairments.
About the Lab
The NeuBotics Lab is a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of neuromechanics and assistive robotics. Our work bridges neuroscience, biomechanics, and robotics to develop real-time models of joint biomechanics and adaptive control strategies for wearable exoskeletons and bionic limbs. You’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative environment that values innovation, rigor, and translational impact.
Information and application
Apply by 23:59 on August the 24th, 2025. Interviews will take place in the week of September 8th. Expected starting date is mid-October, 2025. 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
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 and not via email. Screening is part of the selection procedure.
