Post-doctoral researcher in resilient robotics and multi-modal locomotion

Organisation/Company Aix-Marseille Université Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 31 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 7 Apr 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? NoOffer DescriptionWe are looking for an outstanding candidate to join the ResiRob project, funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR), which targets the design of robots able to survive and adapt to collisions in unstructured environments. The successful candidate will play a key role in the instrumentation and control of mobile robots (rolling and/or flying) endowed with resilient structures and proprioception.Project contextThe ResiRob project aims to develop a new generation of mobile robots capable of withstanding shocks, absorbing impacts, and recovering from collisions in complex, unstructured settings.The concept of resilience here refers to the capacity of the robot to absorb mechanical disturbances (from lateral, ventral or dorsal collisions) without irreversible structural damage, and to use internal sensing (proprioception) to detect and locate such impacts, thereby adapting its locomotion strategy.Moreover, ResiRob targets multimodal locomotion – combining ground (rolling) and aerial (flying) modes – to allow the robot to traverse challenging terrains, descend stairs, fall safely, or switch to passive motion when needed. Within this framework, the post-doctoral researcher will focus on the instrumentation of locomotion state, sensing of impacts and collisions, and control schemes that exploit the robot’s “proprioceptive” feedback to adapt its trajectory and locomotor mode.Mission & Scope of WorkThe post-doctoral researcher will be embedded in the ResiRob consortium (which brings together mechanical design, embedded sensors, control, materials science) and will work in close collaboration with teams specializing in resilient structure design and multimodal locomotion. Your tasks will include, but are not limited to:Designing and integrating instrumentation (embedded sensors, inertial measurement units, strain gauges, contact or collision sensors, proprioceptive arrays) on mobile platforms (wheeled/rolling and/or aerial).Designing and integrating a soft shell for protecting the robot from collisions.Developing methods to characterize the locomotion state (rolling speed, slip, flight dynamics, landing impact), to monitor structural deformation, and detect collisions.Interfacing the sensing chain with real-time control systems: enabling the robot to adapt its locomotion mode or trajectory following an impact (for example switching from rolling to flight).Experimental validation on prototypes of resilient and multimodal robots: conducting tests of shock absorption, collision response, locomotion transitions, and demonstrating improved survival and adaptability.Publishing results in international robotics/control conferences and journals; contributing to open-software sensor/control modules, and collaborating with the partner labs.Where to applyE-mail stephane.viollet@cnrs.frRequirementsResearch Field Engineering Education Level PhD or equivalentSkills/QualificationsWe seek a highly motivated researcher with:A recently obtained PhD in robotics, control systems, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.Strong background in robotics, control engineering, sensor fusion, dynamic modelling, and real-time control.Experience with mobile robots (wheeled/ground and/or aerial), including aspects of locomotion, dynamics, impacts, or resilient system design.Proficiency in programming (e.g., Matlab/Simulink, Python, ROS) and embedded sensing.Good analytical skills, ability to design experiments and prototypes, familiarity with signal processing and control algorithms.Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken); ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and to publish scientific results.A strong interest in pushing frontier research at the interface of resilient materials, sensing, locomotion, and robotics in unstructured environments.This post-doctoral position is a unique chance to contribute fundamentally to the frontier of robotics: designing the next-generation of robots that do not fail in unstructured, unpredictable environments, but instead sense, adapt, and survive. We look forward to welcoming a talented researcher to our team.Soft skills: Autonomy, Teamwork, Rigour, Critical thinking.Additional InformationGross salary: 2616€ , up to 2922€ euros per month after one year.You will join a vibrant research environment involving multiple partner labs (mechanics, materials, sensors, robotics) in France, as part of the ResiRob consortiumYou will have access to robotic platforms, testbed facilities for collision/impact experiments, and collaborations across disciplines in robotics and resilient structures based on origamis or other flexible structures.This is an opportunity to lead a highly original research axis with both scientific depth and technological relevance — building robots that not only move and adapt, but also sense their own damage and react to it.Additional information: The Euraxess Center of Aix-Marseille Université informs foreign visiting professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD candidates about the administrative steps to be undertaken prior to arrival at AMU and the various practical formalities to be completed once in France: visas and entry requirements, insurance, help finding accommodation, support in opening a bank account, etc. More information on AMU EURAXESS PortalSelection processPlease submit your application (in English) including:A cover letter summarizing your motivation and fit for the project.A CV including publication list, skills in sensors, instrumentation, robotics and control.Names and contact details of one referee.Work Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institute of Movement Sciences / Institut des Sciences du Mouvement Country France City Marseille Postal Code 13009 Street 163, Avenue de Luminy Geofield #J-18808-Ljbffr