PhD Thesis on The Design of Insect-robot Interfaces

The Laboratory of Biorobotics (BIOROB) at the Ecole Polytechnique Fdrale de Lausanne (EPFL) is looking for a PhD candidate to work on a multidisciplinary project involving the design of smart interface for the study of honeybees' behavior. This PhD will be done in the framework of a new H2020 European Project starting in 2019.

The goal of this project is to develop smart modules in order to interface with bee colonies, by retrieving data from the colony using integrated sensors, and also by acting on the animals to modulate their behaviors. This project will involve the mechatronic design of the different modules, the software to control the modules in a closed-loop, as well as data management.

Applicants should have a strong background in mechatronic and embedded systems design. Some preliminary experience in the design of interface between artificial and living systems would be a plus. Proficiency in spoken/written English is mandatory, knowledge of French would be an advantage. Expected start date would be February - March 2019. To apply, please email, as a single PDF document: (i) a cover letter (clearly indicating expected start date, relevant experience, and motivation); (ii) detailed Curriculum Vitae; (iii) copies of relevant publications (if any); (iv) a list of three references to Dr. Frank Bonnet ( frank.bonnet@epfl.ch ). Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.