PhD in Soft Robotics

University of Turku; Turku; Sur place; EUR 28 000 - 30 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The University of Turku invites applications for a Doctoral/Project Researcher in the Soft Robotics and Adaptive Systems group (SOFTA lab) within the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. The role focuses on metamaterial soft grippers, designing and testing advanced robotic structures, and contributing to an international Horizon Europe project.

The appointment is full-time for a fixed-term of 3 years, starting Sep 1, 2026 or later.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical/materials engineering, physics, mechatronics or related field.
• Experience with mechanical design and additive manufacturing (3D printing).
• Experience in modelling soft, compliant structures and FEM tools.
• Excellent writing and communication in English; ability to work independently and in teams.
• Willingness to pursue doctoral studies and supervise students.

Responsabilités

• Design and model metamaterial soft grippers for advanced robotics.
• Develop computational and CAD tools to support design.
• Fabricate and test devices using advanced manufacturing methods.
• Contribute to an international Horizon Europe project within the Automation Unit.
• Focus on doctoral research while performing related duties and tasks.

Connaissances

Mechanical design

Additive manufacturing

Soft structures modelling

FEM methods

English writing

Independent work

Supervision of students

Formation

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Outils

FEM software

Description du poste

The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university, hosting a vibrant community of 25,000 students and employees from over 100 different countries. As one of the leading universities in Finland, University of Turku offers study and research opportunities in eight faculties. The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering in the Faculty of Technology brings together experts from a wide range of disciplines including mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics and mathematics, as well as computer science, to develop solutions for future technologies and key societal challenges.

We invite applications for one Doctoral/Project Researcher position in the field of soft robotics to join the Soft Robotics and Adaptive Systems research group (SOFTA lab, PI: Assistant Professor Anastasia Koivikko) in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Turku. The planned starting date of the task is September 1, 2026, or as mutually agreed by both parties, but no later than November 1, 2026. The position is full-time, and it will be filled for a fixed-term period of 3 years from the starting date of employment.

SOFTA Lab is an interdisciplinary research group focusing on soft robotics, stretchable sensors, and advanced manufacturing methods. Our group works on next‑generation soft robotic systems, combining novel materials, fabrication techniques, and mechanical design to create devices that push the boundaries of compliant and adaptive robotics. You will contribute to work on metamaterial soft grippers, designing, modeling and fabricating structures that combine programmable mechanical behavior with robust, dexterous grasping capabilities.

This role offers an exciting chance to shape emerging technologies that bridge materials science, mechanical engineering, and robotics.

Job description

We are looking for a talented Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher to join an upcoming Horizon Europe project focused on developing metamaterial soft grippers for advanced robotic applications. In this role, you will design and model soft, mechanically programmed structures, develop computational and CAD tools to support their design, and take part in fabricating and testing the devices using advanced manufacturing methods. This is a hands‑on position combining design, simulation, fabrication, and experimental work in an international research project. The selected candidate will be able to focus on their doctoral research full‑time, get supervision, and implement new ideas as part of a research team at the Automation Unit in the University of Turku. In addition to the dissertation, the duties of a doctoral researcher may include participation in faculty tasks that support your doctoral studies.

Who we are looking for

• Master’s degree from a relevant field such as mechanical engineering, materials engineering, physics, mechatronics or other related discipline
• Expertise in mechanical design and additive manufacturing (3D printing), especially in the fabrication of soft structures or metamaterials
• Expertise in mechanics and modelling of soft, compliant structures, including using finite element method (FEM) tools
• Excellent Writing and communication skills in English and the ability to work independently as well as in collaborative teams.
• Ability and motivation to pursue and complete a doctoral degree as demonstrated during prior studies or otherwise
• Willingness to supervise undergraduate and graduate students

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation. A person selected for the post of doctoral researcher/project researcher is required to have a higher university degree. In this position, you will apply the study right for doctoral studies (in the Autumn 2026 or Spring 2027 call) at the University of Turku. Thus, please check the student information and application criteria here: https://www.utu.fi/en/research/utugs. Please pay attention to mandatory skill level in English. Candidates who will graduate soon (MSc. students) are also encouraged to apply. In these cases, the title of the selected person will be Research Assistant and the duration of the initial contract is six (6) months, which then will be upgraded to the correct title and with the appropriate change in salary, if the relevant degree is obtained within these 6 months.

What We offer

The University of Turku is a multidisciplinary and internationally oriented research university, renowned for its high-quality research and strong industry collaboration. At the University of Turku, we offer you responsible and meaningful tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a diverse and inspiring working environment. You will be supported by a skilled and collaborative team, and we are committed to your well‑being and work–life balance through flexible working arrangements and dedicated well‑being services. Please read more about the University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages. The European Commission has granted the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo, recognizing our commitment to continuously improving the working conditions and career development of researchers in line with the European Charter for Researchers. The university also offers excellent support and orientation for international hires. Learn more about Finnish culture, relocation, and life in Turku: City of Turku Welcome visitor International House of Turku This is Finland Careers in Southwest Finland Finland - a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi).

Salary and trial period

The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a Doctoral/Project researcher, the salary will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2500-2700 €/month. There is a trial period of six (6) months for this position. If a Research Assistant is hired for the position, the salary will be approximately 2300-2400 €/month, at the beginning of the employment. There is a three (3) month trial period for the Research Assistant.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: Assistant Professor Anastasia Koivikko, [e-mail]

Contact: Information for the applicant