PhD in Chemical Sensing for Robotic Touch

Make it in the North; Groningen; Hybrid; EUR 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Make it in the North is seeking a PhD student in chemistry to join the Lerch Research Group at the University of Groningen. The project focuses on developing a new class of mechanochemical sensors for soft robotics, amplifying signals and enabling a sense of touch in robots.

Applicants should hold an MSc in chemistry or equivalent, have experience in systems chemistry, microfluidics, or organic synthesis, and be fluent in English.

Qualifications

• MSc in chemistry or equivalent.
• Research experience in systems chemistry, microfluidics and/or organic synthesis.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Willingness to learn programming and 3D modelling.
• Strong communication and collaboration in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Develop soft robotic components with microfluidic channels to transport chemical signals.
• Establish reaction networks to amplify mechanochemical signals and quantify behavior with modeling.
• Work with soft materials and 3D design to study signal-triggered movement.
• Apply systems chemistry to deploy mechanophores for robotics.
• Collaborate in an international, interdisciplinary research environment.

Skills

Systems chemistry

Microfluidics

Organic synthesis

English proficiency

Programming

3D modelling

Communication skills

Education

M.Sc. in chemistry

Job description

Make it in the North is seeking a PhD student in chemistry to join the Lerch Research Group at the University of Groningen. The project focuses on developing a new class of mechanochemical sensors for soft robotics, amplifying signals and enabling a sense of touch in robots.

Applicants should hold an MSc in chemistry or equivalent, have experience in systems chemistry, microfluidics, or organic synthesis, and be fluent in English.