Research Assistant with Bachelor’s Degree (f/m/d) in Legged Robotics on Natural Soft Terrain | RWTH Aachen University | EN

Research Assistant with Bachelor’s Degree (f/m/d) in Legged Robotics on Natural Soft Terrain Application deadline: 30/09/2026 Apply now Institution Chair of Geotechnical Engineering and Institute of Geomechanics and Underground Technology Our Profile We investigate legged robot locomotion on natural, soft and deformable terrain such as sand, humid soil and pre-compacted substrates. Legged robots have made substantial progress on rigid laboratory floors in recent years. However, robust and energy-efficient locomotion on natural terrain remains a major challenge. In this project, we study how the interaction between the robot foot and the substrate can be modeled, shaped and used for the control of legged robots. The work combines methods from robotics, control engineering, mechanical design, experimental validation and geomechanical modeling. The goal is to develop locomotion strategies that reduce sinkage, horizontal slip and energy losses on soft terrain and thereby improve the use of legged robots outside controlled laboratory environments. Your Profile We are looking for a motivated person with: A Bachelor’s degree and enrollment in a consecutive Master’s program in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, computational engineering science, robotics or a related field Interest in legged robotics, mobile robotics, control engineering and mechatronic systems Basic knowledge of control engineering, dynamics, robotics or system modeling Good programming skills, preferably in Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C++ or comparable programming languages Interest in mechanical design, prototyping and experimental work with robotic systems Ideally, initial experience with CAD, ROS, microcontrollers, sensors, actuators or mechatronic test setups The ability to read, summarize and structure scientific literature An independent, careful and reliable working style Good written and spoken English skills Your Duties and Responsibilities The tasks include, among others: Supporting the development and implementation of control approaches for legged robots Contributing to mechanical design, construction and adaptation of components for robotic test setups Setting up, conducting and evaluating experiments with legged robots on soft and deformable terrain Supporting the integration of sensors, actuators and measurement systems Programming and testing software components for control, data acquisition and data analysis Working with Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C++, ROS, CAD software or comparable tools Analyzing measurement data related to ground contact, sinkage, slip, stability and energy consumption Supporting literature research, preparing summaries of scientific work and contributing to scientific publications Creating research-related materials, presentations and project documentation What We Offer The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of one year. This is a part-time contract position. The standard weekly hours will be 8 hours. The salary is based on the RWTH Guidelines for Student and Graduate Assistants. The position corresponds to a pay grade of 17,60 euros per hour. About us RWTH is proud to be certified as a family-friendly university. As part of our Campus Health initiative, RWTH offers a wide range of health, counseling, and prevention services, including university sports. Employees under collective bargaining agreements and civil servants also benefit from a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting. RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and make employment decisions without regard to national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is especially committed to supporting the advancement of women in academia. When women are underrepresented in a university unit, preferential consideration will be given to female applicants among candidates of equal merit and professional standing, unless compelling reasons favor another individual. In keeping with RWTH’s commitment to equality of opportunity, we ask that you do not include a photo with your application. Please refer to https://www.rwth-aachen.de/applicant-privacy-policy for information about how we collect and process applicant data in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Application Number V000011385 Application deadline 30/09/2026 Mailing Address RWTH Aachen University Lehrstuhl für Geotechnik im Bauwesen und Institut für Geomechanik und Untergrundtechnik Umair Aslam Im Süsterfeld 9 52072 Aachen Email Apply now Applicants are invited to submit their applications via email. For data protection reasons, however, we recommend sending applications via mail. 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