PhD in Classification, Design, Optimization, and Generative Methods for Mechanisms and Robotic Systems University of Rome Tor Vergata in Italy

PhD opportunity at the University of Rome Tor Vergata in mechanisms, robotic systems, generative design, optimization, and classification methods. The project, led by Prof. Matteo Russo at the Robotics & Mechatronics Laboratory (LARM), aims to build an open-access library of mechanisms and 3D-printable building blocks, together with AI tools for prompt-to-print generative design.

The research is part of the project “The Kinetic Library: an open-access archive of mechanism designs with prompt-to-print generative AI” funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (grant FIS-2024-01880). The successful candidate will work on methods and tools for creating a modular, scalable, and interoperable archive of mechanical elements, plus systems for curating, searching, and generating new functional mechanisms and robotic systems.

Relevant study areas include mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, computer science, CAD design, 3D printing, machine learning, and generative AI. The post explicitly welcomes candidates with backgrounds in mechanism theory, machine science, kinematic modelling, software engineering, natural language processing, knowledge representation, or manufacturing engineering.

This is a fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship with a salary of about 1750 EUR/month, around 45% above the standard Italian PhD scholarship. It also includes dedicated research and travel support, conference/training funding, and a 50% scholarship increase during 6–12 months abroad. No tuition fees are mentioned.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field by the start date. The post asks interested candidates to first contact Dr Matteo Russo with an expression of interest, then submit the formal application through the PhD School in Industrial Engineering call on the university website. The post also notes that the team is open to discussing postdoctoral applications and supporting MSCA Fellowships.