PhD in Co-Creation of Exosuits for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Motion Capture-Based Evaluation of Movement and Fatigue Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium

PhD opportunity at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in an interdisciplinary European project (EXOAIM) focused on the co-creation of exosuits for children with cerebral palsy and motion capture-based evaluation of movement and fatigue.

The position is hosted across the Studies in Media, Innovation and Technology (SMIT) and Rehabilitation Research Group (RERE) at VUB, with collaboration across the BruBotics Rehabilitation Research Center and related partners. The project combines rehabilitation science, movement analysis, human-centred co-creation, biomechanics, and wearable exosuit development.

Research focus: developing and evaluating next-generation exosuits for children and young people with cerebral palsy, using motion capture and multimodal measurements to assess movement, fatigue, usability, and real-world impact. The work includes user engagement with children, caregivers, clinicians, and other stakeholders, plus laboratory and pilot testing.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a Master’s degree in Human Movement Sciences, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field; strong interest in biomechanics, movement analysis, fatigue, exosuits, motor learning, or balance control; and the ability to work with motion capture systems such as VICON. Strong communication skills in Dutch and English are required, and French is an advantage. Experience with Python, MATLAB, or R, and with EMG, IMUs, or eye-tracking, is considered an asset.

Funding: the post is described as a fully funded 1-year PhD position, with the possibility of extension up to four years. The selected candidate will be supported in preparing an FWO PhD fellowship application during the first year.

Deadline: 7 June 2026. Start: September 2026. Location: Brussels, Belgium.

How to apply: send a CV, motivation letter (max. 1 page), academic transcripts, and contact details of two referees to Eva Swinnen. Interested candidates may also contact Eva Swinnen, David Beckwée, or An Jacobs for more information.