Mechano-Chemistry for Robots

University of Groningen; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Groningen invites applications for a PhD position in chemistry focusing on mechanochemical sensing for soft robotics. The project, funded by an European Starting Grant, will explore synthetic reaction networks and materials to enable a chemical sense of touch in robotic prototypes.

Join a rapidly expanding team of PhD students and postdocs, working at the Stratingh Institute and collaborating with industrial and clinical partners.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. degree in chemistry or equivalent.
• Research experience in systems chemistry, microfluidics, and/or organic synthesis.
• Motivation to design and synthesize novel reaction networks for soft robots.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Willingness to acquire skills from basic programming to 3D modelling.
• Well-developed communication and collaboration in a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop chemical touch sensors for robotic prototypes.
• Learn and apply polymer chemistry, rapid prototyping, and analytical techniques.
• Collaborate in an international, multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to the growth of mechanochemistry, materials, and robots.

Skills

English proficiency

Collaboration skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Willingness to learn programming

Education

Master Degree or equivalent

Tools

Programming basics

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Groningen Department Stratingh Institute for Chemistry Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Technology » Materials technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 12 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Amsterdam) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number 101221997 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Position:
A sense of touch allows us to handle objects with fine motor skills and navigate the complexities of everyday life. Robots struggle with even simple tasks, because their sensing capabilities remain limited. It is incredibly hard to achieve the level of sophistication and high-density integration of sensing, signal processing, and movement that comes so naturally to us. This project, funded by an European Starting Grant, aims to develop a new class of chemical touch sensors that can be incorporated into robotic prototypes.

Join a rapidly expanding team of PhD students and Postdocs, shape a rapidly emerging field with your insights, and become a forerunner in chemically-driven robotics.The core objective of this PhD project is to amplify mechanochemical signals through chemical reactions and transport them across soft robotic hands to enable a sense of touch in robots. Leverage yoursystems chemistry and/or microfluidics background and learn more about polymer chemistry, rapid prototyping, and cutting edge analytical techniques.

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We are looking for a collaborative, creative, and excellent colleague with:

• an M.Sc. degree in chemistry or equivalent.
• demonstrable research experience in systems chemistry, microfluidics, and/or organic synthesis.
• motivation to design and synthesize novel reaction networks and study their behaviour in innervated soft robots
• excellent command of written and spoken English.
• willingness to acquire a variety of additional skills ranging from basic programming to 3D modelling.
• well-developed communication and collaboration skills and the ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment.

Ph.D. students are expected to develop scientific independence and complete research projects. Enthusiastic Ph.D. students stay abreast of developments in the field, proactively communicate research results, supervise B.Sc. and M.Sc. students, and work effectively in a team. We are looking forward for you to joining our team to create new mechanochemistry, materials, and robots.

Specific Requirements

The application should include a letter of motivation, your curriculum vitae, and contact details (name, telephone number, e-mail address, and affiliation) of at least two references for a letter of recommendation.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Chemistry » Molecular chemistryChemistry » Organic chemistryChemistry » OtherTechnology » Materials technology Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

Eligibility criteria

Applications by female scientists and candidates from underrepresented minorities are especially encouraged.

Selection process

Applications received by Oct. 12th, 2026, will be considered for this position. First round (online) interviews will take place on: Oct. 14&15, 2026. Second round interviews last week of September 2026. Preferred starting date is negotiable but would ideally be in January/February 2027.

Additional comments

The Team: Our team, led by Dr. Michael M. Lerch, aims to create a chemical operating system for robots, thereby developing novel chemistry and materials with unprecedented functions. We believe that chemistry can close the performance gap between living organisms and current electronic robots. Over the years, we have built a unique pipeline where we take newly synthesized molecules, incorporate them into materials, and shape them into functional devices. As a PhD student, you will workin an international and interdisciplinary team in a fast-paced, creative, and collaborative research environment, based at the renowned Stratingh Institute at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen. The functional materials we develop are societally relevant; as part of ARC CBBC and HTRIC, we work with industrial partners and clinical experts to develop next generation functional coatings and clinically relevant robots.The University of Groningen and the Lerch Research Group strive to create an equitable, inclusive, and respectful environment, where researchers of different backgrounds and disciplines can work at the forefront of science.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen Country Netherlands State/Province Groningen City Groningen Postal Code 9747AG Street Nijenborgh 7 Geofield