PostDoctoral Fellowship 2010 in Rehabillitation Robotics in Intelligent Assistive Technology and Systems Lab at Canada

PostDoctoral Fellowship 2010 in Rehabillitation Robotics in Intelligent Assistive Technology and Systems Lab at Canada

About IATSL:
Intelligent Assistive Technology and Systems Lab (IATSL), located in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. We are a multi-disciplinary group of researchers with backgrounds in engineering, computer science, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and gerontology. Our goal is to develop zero-effort technologies that are adaptive, flexible, and intelligent, to enable users to participate fully in their daily lives.

Detail:
The Intelligent Assistive Technology and Systems Lab (IATSL) invites applications to the position of Postdoctoral Fellow in Rehabilitation Robotics. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in an appropriate discipline in addition to relevant experience in a research environment. The start date is November 1, 2010, although an immediate start prefered.

The successful candidate will join a unique multi-disciplinary, multi-centre research team led by Dr. Alex Mihailidis (University of Toronto/TRI) that includes several bioengineers, computer scientists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, clinicians, and mechanical/electronic technicians. IATSL is affiliated with many prestigious institutions including the University of Toronto, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Funding and support comes from a variety of institutional partners, such as NSERC, CIHR, American Alzheimer Association, and the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Our research on rehab robotics is also supported by an industrial partner, Quanser Inc. This position will be co-supervised by Dr. Jesse Hoey at the University of Waterloo.

IATSL develops autonomous, intelligent computerised devices that can help people with disabilities live more independently. A major strength of our research program is the combination of basic science, computing principles, clinical research, and product design and development. Our research employs cutting edge technologies and computer techniques, such as stereo vision, partially observable Markov decision processes, and various artificial intelligence techniques.

Within this research, you will be expected to provide support for projects focusing on a wide variety of computer-driven assistive technologies and intelligent systems, with a primary focus on the development of an intelligent robotic platform that uses haptics and artificial intelligence to provide rehabilitation for stroke patients. This rehabilitation robot will be able to guide a patient through a variety of different exercises, using artificial intelligence to learn about the user’s progress, abilities, and preferences in order to adapt accordingly. The successful candidate will work with the research team to develop and clinically test a new robotic device, and to implement efficient real-time decision making and planning algorithms. The candidate will be responsible for assisting in the supervision of undergraduate and masters level students assigned to this project, as well as the development of the project as a whole.

The initial position will be a one-year contract, renewable based on performance and funding. Salary will be based on the applicant’s previous experience and education.

Requirements:
The successful candidate must hold Doctorate degree in robotics, computer science, or a related field. The candidate must demonstrate extensive knowledge of robotics, sensing, multi-sensor fusion, computational intelligence, and excellence in implementing real-time algorithms. Experience in graphics, and computer games programming would also be an asset, however, not mandatory. Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities and an ability to lead projects in a research environment. The applicant will need to also demonstrate an aptitude for transdisciplinary research that addresses the intersections of health care, technology, and project management. The University of Toronto hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Application:
The closing date is October 1, 2010. To apply, please send a covering letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of your research interests (1-2 pages), and a copy of your university transcripts

Contact:
Dr. Alex Mihailidis
Intelligent Assistive Technology and Systems Lab
University of Toronto
916 – 500 University Ave.
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA, M5G 1V7
E-mail: iatsl@utoronto.ca
FAX: (416) 946-8570

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