This graduate research assistant will join the Assistive Robotics Laboratory and contribute to the continued development and testing of BLUE SABINO (BiLateral Upper-extremity Exoskeleton for Simultaneous Assessment of Biomechanical and Neuromuscular Output.) The ideal candidate will bring expertise in advanced control systems suitable for exoskeleton control, including admittance control, impedance control, and adaptive control. The graduate research assistant will coordinate research efforts with other members of the Assistive Robotics Laboratory. The graduate research assistant will also participate in research on impairment and functional assessment using BLUE SABINO, including developing grant proposals and conducting human-subjects research.
The mission of the Assistive Robotics Laboratory, co-directed by Dr. Joel Perry and Dr. Eric Wolbrecht, is to improve the quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders (e.g. stroke) using robotic and related technologies. Current efforts in the laboratory are focused on two externally funded research projects; the BLUE SABINO exoskeleton (NSF funded) and the FINGER 2.0 finger and thumb exoskeleton (NIH funded). Both projects include collaborations with outside institutions (UCLA and Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute for BLUE SABINO, and UC Irvine for FINGER 2.0). Both projects are also collaborating with the National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies. Laboratory expertise includes exoskeleton robot design, admittance and adaptive control, mechanism synthesis, post-stroke assessment, and electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG).
Key Accountability: Participate in Assistive Robotic Research by:
- Engaging in development and testing of the BLUE SABINO Exoskeleton
- Develop multiple research project grants.
- Participating in the research group in the Assistive Robotics Laboratory.
- Independently collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data relevant to each project; working collaboratively to integrate the results of the research.
- Keeping up-to-date research notebooks and computer files of standard protocols.
Key Accountability: Document and present research results by:
- Compiling and reporting findings, preparing figures and tables that summarize data and results.
- Writing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Presenting work in team meetings, conferences, and workshops.
Key Accountability: Engage in collaborative activities by:
- Presenting results in the form of talks or posters at regional, national, and international conferences.
- Assisting in supervising and training undergraduate and graduate students engaged in laboratory projects..
- Initiating new interdisciplinary collaborations at the university.
Desired Experience:
- Experience with advanced control systems applicable to exoskeleton robotics.
- Strong computer programming skills.
- Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills.
Required Education B.A. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
Preferred Education M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
Additional Preferred:
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Demonstrated ability to develop research grant proposals.
- Experience with Matlab programming and data analysis.
- Experience with Simulink Realtime Control and Speedgoat target computers.
- Experience with exoskeleton design and control.
- Experience with human-subjects research.
- Experience with post-stroke rehabilitation and assessment.
Both Dr. Perry and Dr. Wolbrecht reside in the Mechanical Engineering Department, but Electrical Engineering candidates will also be considered and are encouraged.
Graduate Admissions requirements for Mechanical Engineering can be found here: https://www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate/graduate-programs/mechanical-eng…
Information on the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programs can be found here: https://www.uidaho.edu/-/media/UIdaho-Responsive/Files/engr/academic-progra…
Please send short cover letter and CV to ewolbrec@uidaho.edu if interested.
