1. Vacancies
  2. PhD Fellowship: Computational Predictive Models of Skeletal Muscle Remodelling for Regenerative Robotics Applications

PhD Fellowship: Computational Predictive Models of Skeletal Muscle Remodelling for Regenerative Robotics Applications

Are you passionate about advancing rehabilitation robotics? Do you want to help create predictive computer models that can reshape how we approach rehabilitation following severe neuro-muscular injuries?

Apply now
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Sarthak Misra
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Suzanne Hulscher
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Tjerkje Dijkstra
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Mina Shahi
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Anouk Bomers
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Peter Chemweno
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Floriana Anselmucci
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Mark Vlutters
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Christopher Balfe

Key takeaways

  • Hours
    38 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 2,872 - € 3,670
  • Deadline
    28 Nov 2024

Join us at the Neuro-Mechanical Modeling and Engineering Lab, where we're pushing boundaries in muscle neurophysiology, biomechanics, and robotics as part of the ERC Consolidator Grant ROBOREACTOR.

This 4-year PhD position offers you the chance to work in an innovative interdisciplinary environment, collaborating on groundbreaking research at the frontier of healthcare and robotics.

Project Overview

As a PhD fellow, you’ll play a central role in building a predictive, multi-scale model of human skeletal muscle. This model will simulate how motor units within muscles respond to neural signals discharged by spinal neurons and adapt structurally over time when subjected to specific physical strain regimens. Leveraging machine learning and statistical modeling, you’ll integrate data from in vivo and in vitro studies to accurately predict muscle remodelling. The model will be validated against data from both healthy participants and post-stroke patients following a targeted 12-week leg training protocol. Using advanced tools such as high-density electromyography, ultrasound, and force dynamometry, you'll bridge biomechanics and neurophysiology, driving novel insights in muscle modelling and rehabilitation.

Key Responsibilities

As part of our team, you will:

Collaborate with experts in control engineering, robotics, and bioengineering to contribute to developing a rehabilitation robotic system capable of autonomous tissue regeneration.

Your profile

We’re seeking candidates with:

  • Strong programming skills in C++ and Python, especially for musculoskeletal models.
  • Proficiency in bio-statistics, likelihood estimation, and advanced signal processing (e.g., high-density EMG and ultrasound).
  • A solid understanding of muscle physiology, motor unit neurophysiology, and exercise science.
  • A collaborative spirit, ready to work with interdisciplinary teams across robotics, control engineering, and biology.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in fields like Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Proven analytical skills and experience in signal processing and bio-statistics.
  • Proficiency in programming (Python, MATLAB, C++) and machine learning.
  • Strong communication and teamwork abilities in a research setting.

This is an exciting opportunity to engage in high-impact research with the potential to transform rehabilitation robotics. If you’re motivated by innovative problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge applications of predictive modelling, we encourage you to apply and contribute to a future where robotics and physiology work hand in hand for advanced rehabilitation solutions.

Our offer

We offer a position with a generous allowance:

  • A full-time 4-year position with 30% tax ruling option and a pension scheme.
  • A salary of € 2872,- during the first year, increasing to € 3670,- in the fourth year.
  • Holiday and year-end bonuses.
  • A minimum of 29 days of holidays.
  • Professional and personal development programs.
  • Access to Neuromechanics and Wearable Robotics Labs outstanding facilities.
  • 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.

Information and application

Apply by November 28th, 2024. Applications must include the following documents:

The first-round interview will be scheduled in the week of December 9th.

For questions, please contact Prof. Massimo Sartori, mail: m.sartori@utwente.nl.
Please, only apply via the web platform and not via email.

Share this vacancy

About the organisation

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more

Sartori, M. (Massimo)

Sartori, M. (Massimo)
Full Professor and Chair of Neuromuscular Robotics

Sartori, M. (Massimo)
Full Professor and Chair of Neuromuscular Robotics

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Massimo for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

How to apply

Step 1

Apply.
When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Apply now

Step 2

Selection.
The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview.
The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview.
In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer.
If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

About The Faculty ET

Curious about what the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) stands for? Check out the ET website for more information.

A job that matters

Create new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!

  • Our mission
    Human Touch

    At the UT it’s all about people, in line with our university’s High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

  • Our mission
    We are a university of technology

    Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

  • Our mission
    We help to strengthen society

    We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

  • Our mission
    We are sustainable

    We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability.
    “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

Browse all jobs