Research Associate - Soft Haptics
Posted date [2026-06-01]
(ID: 45863)
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New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is a globally recognized institution pioneering a transformative model of higher education. As part of the prestigious NYU global network, NYUAD offers an exceptional liberal arts and sciences education, fostering intercultural understanding and leadership.
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, NYUAD is dedicated to groundbreaking research and graduate education, addressing critical local and global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. It plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable, knowledge-based economy in the UAE and advancing NYU’s mission as a model university for the 21st century. NYUAD maintains the highest standards of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, welcoming students and faculty from around the world. The university provides a dynamic environment for learning, research, and professional development in one of the world’s fastest-growing educational and cultural hubs. For more information on career opportunities at NYU Abu Dhabi, visit the official website: http://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/ You can now provide the first NYU Abu Dhabi job post for improvement.... |
Job Description and Requirements
Research Associate - Soft HapticsJob Snapshot
Role: Research Associate - Soft Haptics
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Experience: PhD or 3-5 years research and development experience
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Research Associate - Soft Haptics in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is a specialized Higher Education research opportunity focused on next-generation soft haptic actuators, interactive multimedia systems, digital twins, wearable haptics, and soft robot-assisted rehabilitation simulations. This role is designed for a technically strong researcher who can lead the design, development, prototyping, control, and validation of advanced haptic technologies within the Applied Interactive Multimedia laboratory at New York University Abu Dhabi.
Job Details
Country: United Arab Emirates
City: Abu Dhabi
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Salary: 18000-28000
Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer.
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Role Context
The Research Associate - Soft Haptics will contribute to advanced engineering research at the intersection of haptic technology, soft robotics, material science, control systems, and human-machine interaction. The role involves significant on-site laboratory work, rapid prototyping, algorithm development, and collaboration with material science researchers to create soft haptic actuators and interactive experiences. The developed technologies will support digital twin environments, brain-machine interaction studies, wearable haptic systems, and rehabilitation-focused soft robot simulations.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead research and development activities for soft haptic actuators, control systems, algorithms, and interactive haptic experiences.
* Design, prototype, test, and validate novel proof-of-concept technologies for next-generation haptic applications.
* Work closely with collaborators in material science to develop actuator materials and system-level integration methods.
* Build and refine laboratory setups for soft robotics, wearable haptics, digital twin simulation, and rehabilitation technology research.
* Develop control strategies, sensing approaches, and algorithms that improve actuator performance, responsiveness, and user interaction.
* Conduct hands-on experimental work, including lab assembly, rapid prototyping, troubleshooting, calibration, and performance evaluation.
* Support the use of developed haptic technologies in brain-machine interaction, wearable systems, and soft robot-assisted rehabilitation simulations.
* Analyze experimental results and translate findings into improved designs, validated models, and research outputs.
* Prepare technical documentation, research summaries, reports, presentations, and academic publications.
* Collaborate with engineering researchers, postdoctoral associates, faculty members, and multidisciplinary project partners.
* Maintain a safe, organized, and productive laboratory environment while following university research standards.
* Contribute original ideas, technical judgment, and problem-solving insight to strengthen the laboratory’s research direction.
Ideal Profile
* PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Engineering, or a closely related field.
* Candidates with 3-5 years of industry research and development experience may also be considered.
* Strong background in haptic technologies, interactive systems, soft robotics, control systems, actuator design, or related engineering research.
* Hands-on experience with lab building, rapid prototyping, experimental validation, and development of novel proof-of-concept systems.
* Ability to work extensively on-site in a laboratory environment with practical engineering equipment and prototypes.
* Strong critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to collaborate effectively with material science researchers and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
* Good communication skills with proficiency in English.
* Research candidates should ideally be within the first 5 years after receiving their PhD.
* Ability to prepare required application documents, including cover letter, CV with publication list, research interest statement, reference letter, and transcript.
Skills Set
* Soft haptic actuators
* Haptic technologies
* Soft robotics
* Control systems
* Algorithm development
* Digital twin simulation
* Brain-machine interaction
* Wearable haptics
* Rehabilitation technology
* Rapid prototyping
* Lab building
* Proof-of-concept development
* Material science collaboration
* Actuator validation
* Experimental design
* Sensor integration
* Mechanical systems
* Electrical systems
* Research and development
* Data analysis
* Technical documentation
* Academic publication support
* Engineering research
* Human-machine interaction
* Interactive multimedia systems
Why Join Us
This opportunity is ideal for a researcher who wants to work on high-impact haptic technologies in Abu Dhabi while contributing to the future of soft robotics, wearable systems, rehabilitation engineering, and digital interaction. The role offers competitive employment terms, housing support, educational subsidies for children, access to advanced research infrastructure, and the chance to collaborate within a globally connected academic environment. It is a strong career path for a researcher seeking hands-on laboratory innovation, interdisciplinary exposure, and meaningful technical contribution in the Higher Education sector.
About the Company
New York University Abu Dhabi is a research-led, degree-granting university that brings together science, engineering, arts, humanities, and social sciences within an internationally connected academic environment. As part of NYU’s global network, NYU Abu Dhabi supports advanced research, scholarly collaboration, and knowledge creation from its campus in the UAE. The university provides a strong platform for engineering researchers working on emerging technologies, interactive systems, soft robotics, and human-centered innovation.
