Research Fellow in Wearable Technologies Ref 8444
School/department: School of Engineering and Informatics - Department of Engineering and Design - Sensor Technology Research Centre
Hours: full time or part time hours considered up to a maximum of 1 FTE
Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).
Contract: fixed term for 12 months
Reference: 8444
Salary: starting at £34,304 to £40,927 per annum, pro rata if part time
Placed on: 11 April 2022
Closing date: 17 May 2022. Applications must be received by midnight of the closing date.
Expected Interview date: tbc
Expected start date: asap
Job description
- The Sensor Technology Research Centre at the University of Sussex is looking for a researcher to work on a research-intensive industry funded project on the development of novel tools for shape sensing.
- This project aims to develop a textile sleeve with an integrated array of stretchable sensors. The goal is to dynamically quantify the shape of the body parts covered with the textile sleeve, and hence to offer a digital alternative to traditional plaster cast moulds.
- Your role will be to create an algorithm and associated software to reconstruct the sleeve shape based on the stretch and bend sensor readings, and to develop a reconstruction algorithm, for example based on minimizing an energy function.
- You will also visualize the 3D shape derived from sensor data in an intuitive way.
- In addition, you should be able to interact with hardware engineers to define with them an experimental protocol to obtain the sensor readings for particular sleeve deformations, in order to verify the reconstruction method.
- The project will be realized in close collaboration with two other researchers, responsible for the textile integration, and the sensor development, respectively.
Key Requirements. This post is well suited to a highly motivated individual with excellent software programming skills, creativity, and a willingness to operate in a dynamic research environment within an international team.
Candidates should have a MSc or PhD degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematic, physics, or equivalent, with as a key requirement strong programming expertise.
Important is shape deformation simulation using software libraries (e.g. an existing code base is available in Matlab and Python using PyChrono), mathematical modelling applied to physical/mechanical or equivalent systems, mathematical formulation of optimisation problems and their resolution through gradient descent and other optimisation algorithms, graphical visualisation, sensitivity analysis, etc.
An established expertise in the application of research outcomes in the healthcare sector is desirable. The candidate should have a strong interest in the development and fabrication of novel electronics and their unobtrusive integration into body worn devices.
Background. The Sensor Technology Research Centre at the University of Sussex works on the interface between engineering, computer science, and physics to develop innovative sensor systems for applications in sports, healthcare, or wearable electronics.
Advantages and career development. This position is ideally suited for somebody who wants to broaden his/her knowledge on the application of sensors in wearable and flexible electronics to support patients and professionals in the healthcare sector. It is an ideal opportunity to work on a project with a direct link to a local industrial healthcare company.
Please contact Daniel Roggen (d.roggen@sussex.ac.uk) or Niko Münzenrieder (n.s.munzenrieder@sussex.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.
The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex.
Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.
The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
You can find out more about our values and our EDI Strategy, Inclusive Sussex, on our webpages.
Download job description and person specification Ref 8444 [PDF 173.41KB]
The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed from the UK.
Visa Sponsorship Queries:
This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.
How to apply
Download our academic application form [DOC 199.50KB] and Personal Details and Equal Opportunities Form [DOC 119.50KB] and fill in all sections.
Email your completed application, and personal details and equal opportunities form, to enginfrecruitment@sussex.ac.uk
You should attach your application form and all documents to the email in PDF format (we are unable to accept applications as google.docs or .pages) and use the format job reference number / job title / your name in the subject line.
You can also send your application by post to Human Resources Division, Sussex House, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RH.