Job Description
The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) conducts research to advance intelligent systems that perceive, learn, and interact. Through fundamental research across computational, physical, and social dimensions, we shape artificial intelligence and robotics to advance knowledge and benefit society.TheHaptic Intelligence Department, the Neuromechanics of Movement Group, and the Organizational Leadership and Diversity Groupat the institute's Stuttgart site are looking for aStudent Assistant (HiWi) m/f/divto support our collaborative research project on the biomechanics and perception of walking in different shoes.About the projectThis project is aimed at understanding of how people walk in different types of shoes and how others judge walking styles based on specific criteria. We have designed a research study to investigate these two topics.
Study participants will be asked to walk in two different pairs of shoes (high heels and comfortable flat shoes) while we collect kinematic, kinetic, and muscle-activation data using motion-capture systems, an instrumented treadmill, and surface electromyography (EMG) sensors. We will separately ask a group of observers to watch short videos of people walking and rate specific walking characteristics. This study provides an opportunity to reshape the conversation around heel-wearing and its broader implications, connecting biomechanical findings to meaningful real-world contexts.Roles & ResponsibilitiesThe student assistant will support various phases of the study.
Core responsibilities may include:Possible tasks include: Assisting with motion-camera setup and study preparationsSupporting survey administration and observer testing sessionsOrganizing qualitative responses and observational ratings for later analysisAnnotating and organizing motion-capture and EMG dataAssisting with post-processing and statistical analysesThe concrete position and tasks are subject to discussion with interested candidates. Selected candidates can start working as soon as they are hired.Education & ExperienceWe are looking for a talented student pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in human-centered engineering design, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, applied statistics, physiology, or related fields.Applicants shouldHave high motivationHave good oral and written communication skills in English; German language skills would be helpful but are not requiredBe pursuing a bachelor's or master's degreeBe currently enrolled at a university in GermanyWant to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environmentBe able to work on-site at the Max Planck Institute for intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, GermanyWe are especially interested in applicants who haveExperience with filtering noisy signalesExperience with wearable sensors (e.g., motion capture, EMG)Experience in participating in or conducting human-subject experimentsExperience with eye-tracking systemsInterest in human movementInterest in and/or experience with the topics of diversity and inclusionOur offer:Student assistants with a bachelor degree will be paid €14.40 per hour. Working time is up to 20 hours per week in lecture period, and up to 39 hours per week in lecture-free period.Application:To apply, please submit a résumé, a short motivation letter describing why you are interested in this position, and optionally other documentation to demonstrate your background.
Please prepare these documents in English and upload them as one PDF file to our. If you have questions about this job opportunity, please email Dr. Vani Hiremath Sundaram at.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in its workforce in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.Closing date for applications:The posting is open until filled.
