Grants are available at Institute for Systems and Robotics (http://www.isr.uc.pt) University of Coimbra (http://www.uc.pt) for design and prototyping of climbing robots for several different applications.

Research includes:
• Mechanical design, simulation, analysis and optimisation
• Prototyping
• Automation and control

• Starting date: January 2012
Requisites:
Applicants must have completed a Master’s thesis by November 30, 2011, preferably in the field of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. Engineers from Electronics- computer or similar fields with some
experience on mechanical design and prototyping can also apply.

• Experience on computer aided design, simulation and optimization of parts and mechanisms is necessary (preferably Solidworks)
• Strong interest, passion and some skills on assembly, test, and analysis of mechanisms
• Background on Robotics, Mechatronics, control and automation is a plus
• Good level of written/spoken English is necessary

Successful applicants will receive a one-year research assistantship, renewable yearly based on successful research achievements. The value of the fellowship will be 980€ monthly free of taxes. (Life cost in Coimbra approximately 500 euros for 1 person/700 euros for 2) Applicants will enrol for PhD in university of Coimbra in September 2012. Interested applicants should submit a detailed CV, including relevant courses completed (specifying texts used, if applicable) and a description of prior research including a copy of international publications, if any (max 3).

A portfolio of previous designs and prototypes and a SOP is not a requisite but it is highly recommended. In addition, they should provide the names of two academic references (name, title, affiliation, e-mail and telephone number(s)) who are willing to provide detailed recommendation letters about the candidate. Finally, they should include a one-page summary of their future research objectives.
The above material, or any inquire regarding the research work, should be e-mailed no later than November 10, 2011 to (mahmood.tavakoli@gmail.com).

After a preliminary screening, the academic references will be contacted to independently provide confidential recommendation letters. The ISR/UC reserves the right to select no one. When sending the email, write in the subject : "Climbing Robots Project application"

Contact:
Dr. Mahmoud Tavakoli
Institute of Systems and Robotics
Dep. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Coimbra
3030-290 Coimbra

Deadline: November 20, 2011