Opportunities

Postdoctoral researchers

Two Postdoctoral Researcher Positions in the Material Robotics Lab at Boston University

Position 1: Soft Optical Shape Sensing for Steerable Medical Robots

The Material Robotics Lab at Boston University is seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team working on the development of cutting-edge optical sensing technologies for minimally invasive medical interventions. This position focuses on the design, development, and validation of soft optical shape sensing systems integrated into steerable catheters for real-time feedback and autonomous navigation of endovascular robots. The successful candidate will lead the development of this innovative soft optical fiber-based sensing technology to enable safe and precise autonomous robotic interventions in stroke care and neurovascular surgery

Position 2: Vision-Guided Soft Robot for Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Our lab is also seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team working on the development of innovative soft robotic technology for early-stage lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This position focuses on the design, development, and experimental validation of a miniaturized soft robotic bronchoscope with integrated computer vision guidance, robotic needle steering, and mechanical stabilization mechanisms for accessing hard-to-reach peripheral lung lesions. The successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of this groundbreaking surgical platform to enable accurate tissue sampling, real-time diagnosis, and simultaneous therapeutic interventions. 

Positions Details

  • Duration: Initial appointment for 1 year with possibility of extension based on performance and funding
  • Start Date: September 2026 (ideal)
  • Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
  • Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
  • Collaboration: Work closely with clinicians, engineers, and roboticists across Boston University and partner institutions (Johns Hopkins University, Philips Robotics)

Application Requirements

Please send the following materials (assembled as a single PDF file) to Prof. Sheila Russo at russos@bu.edu:

  1. Cover letter (1-2 pages) describing your fit for the position, your experience, and your interest 
  2. Curriculum Vitae with publication list
  3. Copies of up to three relevant peer-reviewed papers or technical reports demonstrating your expertise
  4. Contact information for three references (include their relationship to you)

Application Deadline

Rolling. Applications reviewed on a continuing basis until position is filled.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please indicate your earliest availability in your cover letter.

PhD students

Prospective PhD students should apply to the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University. Please specify your interest in working with Prof. Russo in your application. Also, please specify the reasons why you would like to work with us in your statement. Once you apply, you can send an email to Prof. Russo about your application.

Undergraduate and Master’s students

The Material Robotics Lab is often seeking highly motivated undergraduate and Master’s students to assist with research projects. However, there are a limited number of positions available.
Please note that short-term projects (single semester) are generally discouraged since there is a significant amount of training required prior to participating in one of our research programs.
Students should contact Prof. Russo for more information. Please include as much information as possible in your email (CV, transcript, reason why you would like to join the lab, etc.).
I will reach out to you if we have a research opportunity that might be a good fit with your interests/profile.