PhD and Postdoctoral fellow positions for advanced materials for soft robotics

Vacancies are available for PhD students and post-doctoral research fellows in the field of advanced materials for soft robotic applications at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), The Netherlands

Position

(Post-doctoral) Researcher, PhD-student

Department(s)

Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

Reference number

V37.5776

Research background

Soft robotics is a relatively new subfield of robotics that deals with constructing robotic functions from compliant materials. Soft technologies and integrated soft systems can revolutionize the use of robotic devices, for instance in applications where elastic versatility and safe human/machine interactions are needed. It is predicted, and certainly has the potential, to lead to the development of radically new generations of machines. The examples are numerous. In the medical world, they will increasingly assist surgery, in-vivo therapeutic treatments or contribute to the rehabilitation of disabilities by exoskeletons. Soft robotic functions have the perspective to enhance the communication between man and machine or between machines mutually. We foresee that we can make materials that can feel, sense, behave and act as human skins, but with enhanced sensitivity and accuracy. They can be used as stand-alone and autonomous devices, but also be applied as coating or integrated with electronics or even with biological material to perform functions not accessible otherwise. And as a long-term perspective one can foresee the development of evolutionary self-developing soft robotics following nature’s approach to intelligent soft machines.

Projects description

In our research team we develop responsive materials that address the advancing needs in specialized medicine, man-machine communication and miniaturized mechanics. Smart soft materials are in potential capable to fill in gaps in present technologies and to generate new, specialized functions making use of their ability to adapt their shape, to comply to confined and sensible spaces and to provide their functional duty on location.

A key aspect of our projects is to translate molecular effects to macroscopic phenomena which, in turn translate into (robotic) devices. Consequently, the approach to successfully develop new robotic functions adapted to their field of application must be multidisciplinary, containing all the aspects from materials design/development, photonics, electronics and mechanics. In the material, the various molecular functions are brought together, and the soft robot is given a body, which can be as simple as a thin film actuator or coating, but also be complex consisting of a composite of materials in an accurate three-dimensional shape. It brings organic and inorganic materials together in hybrid materials, built around soft electronics.  More information can be found at www.danqingliu.nl .

We are looking for talented, motivated and enthusiastic PhD and postdoctoral students who meet the following requirements:

• Background in chemical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, materials science or bioengineering.
• Prior knowledge in soft matters, responsive materials and experience in microscopic techniques and device fabrication/ characterization are appreciated.
• Ability to independently work within a dynamic team and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Fluent in spoken and written English

We offer challenging jobs in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious university. You will work with innovative analytic equipment and you will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together.

The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world en part of the European technology hotspot ‘Brainport Eindhoven’; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!

For the Postdoc position the gross monthly salary in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), starts with € 3.557,-  We offer an one-year contract with the possibility to extend another year or two.

For the PhD position we offer a four year contract with a gross monthly salary in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), starts with € 2.541,- in the first year to € 3.247,- in the fourth year.

Especially for PhD students the TU/e also offers opportunities for personal development. We do this by offering every PhD student a series of courses that are part of the PROOF program as an excellent addition to your scientific education.

Besides this the TU/e has holiday- and end-of the year allowances, an excellent package of attractive benefits for employees and a modern sports complex.

For more detailed information about this vacancy you can contact dr. Danqing Liu e-mail: d.liu1[at]tue.nl.

For information concerning employment conditions click here  or contact Ms. P.J. van de Weijer, HR-advisor, p.j.v.d.weijer[at]tue.nl

Please visit www.tue.nl/jobs  (and for the PhD position: www.tue.nl/en/education/graduate-school/ ) to find out more about working at TU/e!

Application

You can respond to this vacancy via our application page www.tue.nl/jobs by clicking on the button “Apply for this job".
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The selection of applicants and the job interviews will start immediately until we find a suitable candidate.

For this vacancy we will recruit simultaneously both internal as external. In the case of equal suitability internal candidates take priority over external candidates.

An assessment can be part of the selection procedure.

Acquisition as a result of this advertisement is not appreciated.