The Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria (DEIB) has an open PhD position on the topic “A SOIL FRIENDLY PLATFORM FOR VINEYARD APPLICATIONS” (supervisor: prof. L. Bascetta).
We are looking for highly motivated and talented candidates with a strong background in the areas of mechatronics, robotics and control, as well as interest and passion for multidisciplinary research at the intersection of modelling, control, optimization, robotics and experimental geoscience.
The successful candidate will become part of a vibrant multidisciplinary group, with an international scientific profile, and he/she will have access to the experimental facilities of the Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria and of the ROSETEA lab (www.polo-cremona.polimi.it/en/scientific-research/research-laboratories/robotic-sensors-technologies-for-environment-and-agriculture-rosetea-laboratory) at the Cremona campus of the Politecnico di Milano. Furthermore, the student will spend 6 months at the Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (www.crea.gov.it), where he/she has the opportunity to perform experiments and interact with experts in agricultural soil modelling and experimental characterization, and 6 months at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (www.vt.edu), where he/she has the opportunity to study and develop wheel/track ground interaction models and the corresponding parameter identification techniques. Additionally, this PhD is part of a broader research that includes collaboration with the Mechanical Department of the Politecnico di Milano.
Specific objectives
- Study an innovative locomotion system to guarantee a safe and efficient navigation in the presence of difficult terrains
- Characterize the effects of the locomotion system on soil state and hydraulic properties
- Setup an experimentally validated simulator to support the mechatronic design of the locomotion system or the analysis of an existing one, quantifying permanent changes in soil state and hydraulic properties it can produce
Requirements
Essential:
- A solid background in robotics (modelling and control) and control theory
- Strong attitude towards problem solving and experimental activity
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
Preferred:
- Experience with experimental activity in robotics
- Experience with modelling software tools (Modelica, Matlab/Simulink)
- Experience with programming languages (Python, C/C++)
Benefits and Opportunities
- Work on cutting-edge emerging topics at the intersection of mechatronics, robotics, experimental geosciences
- Work in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary and highly international research environment
- Possibility to perform independent research under the guidance of supervisors covering a broad range of expertise
- Broad offer of advanced classes/seminars in the scientific areas of mechatronics, robotics, control, and information technology
- A mobility period (up to 6 months) in international research groups like the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Involvement in high-quality and peer-reviewed scientific publications
- Participation in international scientific conferences and workshops
- Flexible working time, with result-oriented assignments
Job details
- Contract: Italian PhD scholarship (1400 €/month net salary, with a possible increment up to 1600-1650 €/month doing paid teaching support activities, 2100 €/month net salary during the period abroad)
- Expected starting date: 22 December 2023
- Duration: 3 years
Call details
- The call is available at www.dottorato.polimi.it/futuri-dottorandi/bandi-e-regolamenti/ciclo-39/3-bando-aggiuntivo-2023-24 (look for "id: 3845-3079")
- The call opens on September 14, 2023
- The deadline for applications is September 29, 2023 at 2 PM (Italy time)
For further information and inquiries please contact Prof. Luca Bascetta (luca.bascetta@polimi.it).
