PostDoc Fellowship: Real-time ultrasound-based control of bionic legs
Are you excited by the challenge of decoding muscle dynamics in real time to control next-generation prosthetic limbs? The NeuBotics Lab at the University of Twente is looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team as part of the SonoSkin project.
Our mission is to enable intuitive control of powered ankle prostheses for amputees through real-time automatic tracking of muscle fascicle kinematics. You will be developing a proof of concept of the real-time control of a bionic ankle-foot based on online ultrasound sensing of the ankle muscle fascicle kinematics in the residual limb of an amputee.
If you’re excited by the idea of translating cutting-edge neuromechanical research into tangible clinical solutions, we encourage you to apply.
Project Objectives:
Automated tracking of ankle muscle fascicle kinematics in both superficial and deep muscles will allow for the intuitive and coordinated control of powered prostheses following leg amputations. In this project, we aim to:
- Develop real-time ultrasound algorithms to estimate fascicle length in antagonistic leg muscles (tibialis anterior and soleus) in healthy individuals during walking.
- Translate and validate these algorithms in individuals with transtibial amputations (also including those with an agonist-antagonist myoneural interface DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aap8373.
- Implement and evaluate a proof-of-concept control system for a powered ankle-foot prosthesis, comparing it with conventional myoelectric control strategies.
Your tasks will be:
As a postdoctoral researcher on the SonoSkin project, you will play a central role in developing and validating a novel control strategy for bionic limbs based on real-time ultrasound imaging. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Designing and implementing real-time algorithms for tracking muscle fascicle kinematics concurrently from the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles using B-mode and RF ultrasound signals.
- Conducting experimental studies with healthy participants to validate real-time fascicle length estimation during dynamic locomotion tasks.
- Translating and adapting the ultrasound tracking system for use in individuals with transtibial amputations, in collaboration with clinical partners.
- Integrating ultrasound-based sensing into a control framework for a powered ankle-foot prosthesis, enabling intuitive and coordinated movement.
- Comparing the performance of the ultrasound-based control system with traditional myoelectric control strategies, assessing metrics such as responsiveness, accuracy, and user comfort.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers, clinicians, and rehabilitation specialists, to ensure translational relevance and clinical feasibility.
About the Lab
The NeuBotics Lab is a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of neuromechanics and assistive robotics. Our work bridges neuroscience, biomechanics, and robotics to develop real-time models of joint biomechanics and adaptive control strategies for wearable exoskeletons and bionic limbs. You’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative environment that values innovation, rigor, and translational impact.
Information and application
Apply by 23:59 on August the 24th, 2025. Interviews will take place in the week of September 8th. Expected starting date is November/December 2025.
Applications should include the following documents:
- A video (2-minute max) describing your scientific interests and why you are applying for this position.
- A cover letter (1-page max) specifying how your experience and skills match the position as well as summarizing your scientific work.
- A CV including English proficiency level, nationality, visa requirements, date of birth, experience overview, and publication list.
- Contact information for at least three academic references. A support letter will be requested by us only if your application is considered
For more information on the open position, you can contact Prof. Massimo Sartori, mail: [email protected].
Please, only apply via the web platform and not via email.
Screening is part of the selection procedure.
About the department
Chair of Neuromuscular Robotics
You will be working within our academic Chair, where we interface robotic technologies with the neuromuscular system to improve movement. We apply artificial intelligence, computational modelling and biological signal processing, in a translational way, to develop novel real-time bio-inspired assistive technologies. Our goal is to establish a roadmap for discovering fundamental principles of movement at the interface between humans and wearable robots ultimately for improving human health. But, we are always open to embrace new approaches! Together with industrial leaders and an extensive network of clinical institutions, we cover the entire trajectory from modelling a given subject population to the development of assistive robotics technologies. Our work is facilitated by the University's TechMed Centre, the Robotics Center and the Digital Society Institute.Please, also check out our pages:
The Department of Biomechanical Engineering
You will also become a staff member of our Department. This consists of over 80 members and is engaged in a broad range of biomedical research topics. We focus on the design and control of medical robotic systems for a variety of clinically-relevant applications. Our department has a strong focus on prostheses, wearable exoskeletons, artificial organs, surgical robots, and rehabilitation robots. For example, the research in our department ranges from design and image-guided control of macro-micro-scale surgical robots, to developing neuromusculoskeletal models for control of both bionic limbs, to design and real-time control of soft wearable exo-suits. Moreover, we also evaluate our medical robots in pre-clinical trials. In collaboration with industrial leaders we also conduct research with existing commercial medical robots to further improve the technology.
We are part of the TechMed Centre, and have an extensive network of clinical institutions with whom we collaborate. We are also part of the MESA+ NanoLab, and have access to world-class cleanroom facilities. To learn more about the research within the Department of Biomechanical Engineering check our website.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.
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