Magnetic responsive materials for untethered robotic function - PhD Position (f/m/x)

University of Mons; Italia; In loco; EUR 30.000 - 40.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Travel allowances

Mobility allowances

Family allowance

Descrizione del lavoro

The project is part of the Marie Curie Doctoral Network on Soft Active Matter Microrobots for Medicine (SAM3) conducted within the European Laboratory of Nonlinear Spectroscopy. The doctoral network includes 12 PhD candidates focused on endoscopic access to ear, nose, throat regions using microrobotics and smart materials.

The PhD aims to create 3D-printable magnetic responsive materials based on thermally responsive Liquid Crystalline Networks doped with magnetic nanoparticles for untethered

Competenze

• Background in polymer chemistry and technology or magnetic nanoparticle synthesis or 3D printing of smart materials.
• Ability for research management, dissemination, communication with colleagues and supervisors, strong teamwork spirit, creativity, problem solving and attention to safety.

Mansioni

• Perform PhD research within the SAM3 network.
• Develop 3D-printable magnetic responsive materials for untethered robotic function.
• Collaborate with supervisors and follow MSCA DN guidelines and reporting requirements.

Conoscenze

Polymer chemistry and technology

Magnetic nanoparticle synthesis

3D printing of smart materials

Research management

Formazione

Master Degree in Chemistry

Master Degree in Engineering

Descrizione del lavoro

Organisation/Company Laboratorio Europeo Di Spettroscopie Non Lineari (lens.unifi.it) Research Field Chemistry Engineering Technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 31 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38 Offer Starting Date 15 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number EU HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01-01 # 101312674 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

This project takes place within the Marie Curie Doctoral Network on Soft Active Matter Microrobots for Medicine (SAM3). This doctoral network of 12 PhD candidates aims at exploring the ear-nose-throat area from a microrobotics perspective. Thanks to active matter and small scale microrobotics engineering, three specific goals are targeted: (1) access the middle ear through the Eustachian tube; (2) access the olfactory clefts for mucosal biopsy; (3) access the skull cavity through the nose and the cribble plate for cerebrospinal fluid biopsy.

This specific PhD proposal on Magnetic responsive materials for untethered robotic function is part of the third endoscopic area namely the cerebrospinal fluid system. The goal of the PhD is to develop 3D-printable magnetic responsive materials based on thermally responsive shape-changing Liquid Crystalline Networks (LCNs) doped with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) allowing the development of untethered robotic function. Combining 3D patterning by photolithographic techniques with different nanoparticle responsive behaviors to alternate or static magnetic fields, micrometric actuators capable of both navigation and gripping will be realized.

We are seeking talented and enthusiastic students to perform a PhD, with a solid background in polymer chemistry and technology, magnetic nanoparticle synthesis or 3D printing of smart materials. He/she will be registered within International Doctoral School coordinated by Laboratorio Europeo Di Spettroscopie Non Lineari at UNIFI with Dr Daniele MARTELLA as supervisor and Prof. Camilla PARMEGGIANI as co-supervisor.

The candidate should have good command of spoken and written English, and Italian, German or Dutch skills are of course an asset.

Candidates are invited to look at other positions and can apply to several positions.

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Background in polymer chemistry and technology or magnetic nanoparticle synthesis or 3D printing of smart materials
• Ability for research management, dissemination, communication with colleagues and supervisors, strong teamwork spirit, creativity, problem solving and attention to safety.

Specific Requirements

• Not having resided in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date and not having carried out main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy this period.
• less than 5 years of career at the recruitment date and not having a doctoral degree;
• Research experience in the academic or in the industrial sector will be considered

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages ITALIAN Level Good

Languages DUTCH Level Good

Languages GERMAN Level Basic

Research Field EngineeringChemistry Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

The candidate will be employed as an Early Stage Researcher according to MSCA DN regulations, which offer excellent employment conditions including a high base salary and many additional benefits such as allowances for travel, mobility and family. The family allowance is allocated if demonstrated at the time of the recruitment.

Eligibility criteria

General eligibility criteria of MSCA; Specific: see above

We will appoint 1 PhD student on this project, related to 11 other positions open in the SAM3 EU network.

Twelves job vacancies are opened for this doctoral network, across three main scientific fields.

Candidates are invited to look at other positions; they can apply to several positions.

Selection process

During the job posting, the candidates will have the opportunity to apply online on one or several individual projects, the applications must be filed on-line along with the following supporting documents: a) a digital copy with all academic certificates and the respective official transcription in English; b) a detailed CV and a motivation letter in English; c) 2 letters of recommendation.

Additional comments

SAM3 consortium is committed to fostering excellence in research and research training and to guaranteeing equal opportunities for all candidates during the recruitment. In this respect, this recruitment Call is fully aligned with EC Code of Conduct. All partners pledge to uphold the principles outlined in the European Code of Research Integrity during the recruitment. In this regard, the SAM3 consortium supports the principle that excellence and diversity are compatible and complementary and recognizes that good equity practices ensure access to the largest possible pool of qualified individuals. The SAM3 consortium will particularly encourage women, members of visible and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply.