The Italian Institute of Technology with headquarters in Genova (Italy), is a non-profit institution with the primary goal of creating and disseminating scientific knowledge and strengthening Italy's technological competitiveness. Current IIT scientific program has a strong multidisciplinary character, merging expertise from different platforms from Neuroscience to Drug Discovery, from Nanotechnologies to Computation.

IIT has recently created an IIT-Network of centers at Italian research institutions in Lecce, Milan, Naples, Pisa, Turin, Parma and Trento. The IIT Center for Space Human Robotics of IIT@Polito in Torino (Italy), directed by Prof. Francesco Profumo, aims to reach a step further in the study of the future generation of space humanoid robotics and to be recognized as a world leader laboratory in solutions and (selected) technologies for humanoid robotics within 5 years (see a description of research plan below)

SPECIFIC Areas of interest of the research laboratory are:

• ROBOTICS PLATFORM dedicated to development and prototyping of integrated systems for space humanoid robotic application.
• SMART MATERIALS PLATFORM focused on materials for space humanoid application
• ENERGY PLATFORM researching innovative systems for energy production and storage for robotic application.

Applications are invited for the following position:

• 1 Team leader (8-10 years experience)

The successful candidates have skill and experience in one or more subjects related to:

• multi-DOF manipulators, force feedback systems and innovative technologies for miniaturized controllers, actuators and sensor devices.
• image processing, artificial vision, 3D vision, Human Robot Interface (hri)
• distributed nano-sensor devices, materials, sensor coating processes and advanced technologies.
• human machine interface intended as a deep integration of sensing and actuation functions for manned robots operation; effects of space environment (microgravity, cosmic rays,…) on cells, tissues and on the overall astronaut physiology.
• Activities in the field of self assembly techniques for nanostructures fabrication.
• activities on materials for innovative systems for energy production and storage. Micro and nanotechnologies for portable energy sources. A PhD in Material Science or closely related area and an experience of at least 1 year or more abroad (with respect of the native country). A substantial number of publications showing a consolidated and multidisciplinary research background would be also considered.

For all the positions team spirit is mandatory; well organized approach, analytical attitude, proficient computer skills as well as fluent spoken and written english.

A competitive salary is also offered as part of the package.

Interested candidates should submit their CVs to infoshr(at)iit.it together with two letters of reference and a statement of research and technological interests CONCERNING the proposed subjects.

Application deadline is 30 Aprile 2010

Selection results will be reached within the 30 April 2010 and hiring is forecast between 1st June 2010 and 1st November 2010