What are the responsibilities and job description for the Doctoral Student position at Stevens Institute of Technology?
I am hiring a Ph.D. student at Stevens Institute of Technology for January 2026 and Fall 2026, for either the Mechanical Engineering or Robotics doctoral programs. I direct the Robotic Systems for Health Lab. Our lab's mission is to develop soft robotic technologies for rehabilitation, therapeutic, and other medical applications. Our interdisciplinary team strives to push the envelope with what is possible in rehabilitation robotics, soft robotics, and physical Human-Robot Interaction (pHRI). We work on developing novel hybrid soft-hard robotic exosuits and orthotics that will revolutionize the care of the human body.
Responsibilities
I am looking for researchers with strong skills in design and manufacturing: CAD, FEM, mechanism design, soft robotic fabrication, and additive manufacturing. Secondary qualifications can include programming, mechatronics, and controls. Your role in my research group will be to help build new physical form factors, which other students will then work on to program and control. You can also get involved in the programming and control depending on your passions and interests.
Qualifications
Primary Qualifications:
* M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (in exceptional cases I might consider just a Bachelors)
* Extensive experience with CAD (SolidWorks or Fusion 360)
* Extensive experience with 3D printing, additive manufacturing
Secondary qualifications
* Publication record
* Experience with FEM
* Experience with Robotics
* Experience in mechatronics
* Experience in pneumatics
* Proficiency in Python or C/C
* Experience in controls
To Apply:
* Email me at jlibby@stevens.edu
* I will not check applications in this portal.
* Do not message me through linked in.
* Please send all of the following materials in your first email; otherwise your application will not be considered:
- cover letter
- resume/CV
- academic transcripts for both bachelors and masters
- Indicate if your earliest start date (January 2026 or Fall 2026)
- a pdf presentation with photos showcasing your qualifications as listed above. (for instance, screenshots of particularly impressive designs, real-world robotics builds, etc.)
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