[Ieee_vis_open_positions] Postdoc to interdisciplinary project in engineering and human movement biomechanics

[Tino Weinkauf]

Project description

Ability-optimized design: The successful applicant will develop an 
approach to personalize everyday tools for people with motor 
disabilities. Patients with motor disabilities struggle with performing 
a large number of daily activities such as autonomously eating, washing, 
clothing, or walking. A large number of tools exist to aid with these 
daily activities. For example, different spoons and other silverware 
have been developed for patients with motor disabilities. However, these 
tools are generic in the sense that they have been designed for a larger 
group of patients. Hence, therapists often have to adapt them manually 
to work for a specific patient. This is a tedious trial-and-error task 
that often involves bending metal and other materials. The aim of this 
project is to develop methods that allow for a rapid production of a 
tool specifically designed for a single patient. Our methodology builds 
upon recording the preferred movements of a patient for specific tasks. 
A subsequent optimization step aims at adapting the geometry and other 
aspects of a tool to the motor abilities of the patient under the 
constraint of maintaining the tool's utility. The result is fabricated 
using rapid production methods such as 3D printing. It is therefore 
readily available to the patient.

This is an interdisciplinary project comprising expertise from computer 
science, biomechanics and occupational therapy.


Qualifications

PhD in electrical engineering, computer science, mechatronics, 
mechanical engineering, physics, or a related science. We will also 
consider applicants who are about to finish their degree.
Good programming skills or high motivation to learn
Familiarity with hardware projects based on Arduino (particularly using 
inertial sensors) or good motivation to learn
Social skills and motivation to meet patients and perform experiments
Good spoken and written English communicating skills
Excellent technical writing skills
Some knowledge of Swedish is desirable, but not required
The position is non-tenurable with initial appointment for one year and 
the possibility of one-year renewals subject to availability of funds 
and satisfactory performance.


Application

Apply according to the procedures laid out here:

https://www.kth.se/en/om/work-at-kth/stipendier/postdoc-to-interdisciplinary-project-in-engineering-and-human-movement-biomechanics-1.671655


About the scholarship

Period: One year with the possibility of a one-year renewal
Stipend compensation: 24 000 SEK per month
Extent: Full-time
Positions: 1
Location: Stockholm
Start date: Flexible, preferably during late 2016 or early 2017.


Contact

Queries concerning the position can be directed to:

Associate Professor Lanie Gutierrez-Farewik
E-mail: lanie at kth.se

Professor Tino Weinkauf
E-mail: weinkauf at kth.se