Postdoctoral Associate, Hybrid Body Lab

Cornell University, Human Centered Design
Position ID:
Cornell -HCD -PDAHYBRID [#30234, WDR-00053915]
Position Title: 
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Ithaca, New York 14850, United States of America [map ]
Subject Areas: 
Human Centered Design
Information Science
Fiber Science / Textile
Fashion Design
Salary Range:
$61,008 to $87,000
Appl Deadline:
(posted 2025/07/11, listed until 2026/01/11)
Position Description:
  Apply    
Position Description

Postdoctoral Associate, Hybrid Body Lab
Human Centered Design, College of Human Ecology
Cornell University

The Hybrid Body Lab at Cornell University is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research in digitally knit robotic textile interfaces for edema rehabilitation .The Postdoc will work closely with Prof. Dr. Cindy-Hsin-Liu Kao, director of the Hybrid Body Lab, and our clinical collaborators at Weill Cornell Medical College.  We offer a fully funded Postdoctoral position for two years (with potential for extension) located in-person in Ithaca, NY.

Our lab specializes in the research, design, and invention of Hybrid Skins: conformable interfaces that can sit at all scales of the human experience.  We have a strong research focus and present our work at top-tier ACM computer science venues in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Wearable Computing. Example projects and publications from our group: Intro to the Hybrid Body Lab ; Hybrid Body Lab Projects ; Publication List

Qualifications for a successful candidate for this project on digitally knit robotic textile interfaces for edema rehabilitation  include: 

·       Applicants must demonstrate prior experience with digital machine knitting using a Shima Seiki machine. Please note your level of experience in your cover letter, including which Shima Seiki machine you operated, how long have you worked with the machine, and for what purposes/projects,

·       PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Science, Mechanical Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Textile Engineering, Fiber Science and Apparel Design, or related field. Proof that all PhD requirements have been fulfilled before the start date is required.

·       Interest and commitment in conducting user studies with patients and handling clinical IRBs. 

·       Strong and independent hands-on implementation skills, especially pertaining to textiles.  Please note your implementation skills in your cover letter.

·       Strong track record of publications in high-quality venues related to HCI, functional textiles, material science, soft robotics, or wearable computing.

·       Team player with excellent communication skills, and willingness to collaborate across disciplines.

·       Independent, creative, and strongly motivated to conduct research in HCI and Wearable Computing. 

 Your role will involve: 

·       Iterative hands-on design, prototyping, and evaluation of new user interfaces and fabrication techniques related to knit robotic textiles.

·       Publishing research results in top conferences in HCI and Wearable Computing.

·       Lead a project team of graduate and undergraduate students and collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine. You may also spearhead new side projects based on your unique expertise and interests.

·       Conduct participant user studies.

·       Contribute to writing proposals for applications of external funding.

·       Supervise graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.

·       Managing and handling IRBs with our clinical collaborators.

·       Support undergraduate and graduate teaching related to the lab.

To Apply :

We are seeking to fill this position ASAP; immediate applications are encouraged. The target start date is between July 21th and August 1st 2025.

Interested applicants must submit the following documents via Academic Jobs Online:  https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30234

 ·       Cover letter (2-page Max) describing: 

1. Discuss your interest, commitment, fit, and any prior experience relevant to our project on digitally knit robotic textile interfaces for edema rehabilitation .

2.  Applicants must demonstrate prior experience with digital machine knitting using a Shima Seiki machine. Please elaborate on your prior experience with a Shima Seiki, outline which machine you operated, for how long have you worked with the machine, and for what purposes/projects,

3. Discuss your interest, commitment and any prior experience in conducting user studies and handling IRBs. 

4. Describe any relevant hands-on implementations skills pertaining to hardware, software, fabrication, and/or textile skills.

5. Elaborate on potential future directions for the project on digitally knit robotic textile interfaces for edema rehabilitation .

6. Your career aspirations and the role you hope this postdoc position will play in your future career.

·       Research Statement.

·       Include PDF's of three representative publications.

·       CV (detailed, including full publication list).

·       Transcript of graduate work (unofficial is acceptable).

·       Three or more reference letters (including one from your PhD advisor)

 

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu .

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu .

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. 

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and  encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.

Application Materials Required:
Further Info:
https://www.human.cornell.edu/hcd
 
T57 Human Ecology Building (HEB)
Ithaca, NY 14853