Postdoc in Chemically Driven Soft Robotic Actuators

RUG; Groningen; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

232 vacation hours per year

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Holiday allowance 8%

Professional development opportunities

Temporary position with renewal option

Job summary

University of Groningen seeks a postdoctoral researcher for the TactoChem project focused on chemically driven robotic actuators. The role involves designing metamaterials and actuators, modelling their behavior, and leading subgroups within a multidisciplinary team.

You will supervise students, collaborate across chemistry and robotics, and work in a state-of-the-art lab at the Stratingh Institute on innovative tactile sensing for robots.

Qualifications

• PhD required in mechanical engineering, materials science, or equivalent.
• Proven track-record in designing metamaterials and actuators with modelling support.
• Strong design techniques and project management skills.
• Motivation to explore polymer and systems chemistry for robotic design.
• Excellent publication record and international visibility.
• Demonstrated leadership in supervising students.
• Interested in developing grant writing skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design robotic components and actuators responsive to chemical signals.
• Model deformations and optimize geometries to match chemical timescales.
• Develop robotic prototypes with integrated microfluidic channels.
• Build and maintain chemical and robotic setups.
• Train and supervise students in the lab.
• Contribute to high-profile research with international collaborators.

Skills

Metamaterials design

Actuator design

Modelling

Project management

Grant writing

Publication record

Leadership

Communication

Independent thinking

Collaboration

Education

PhD in mechanical engineering or materials science

Job description

University of Groningen seeks a postdoctoral researcher for the TactoChem project focused on chemically driven robotic actuators. The role involves designing metamaterials and actuators, modelling their behavior, and leading subgroups within a multidisciplinary team.

You will supervise students, collaborate across chemistry and robotics, and work in a state-of-the-art lab at the Stratingh Institute on innovative tactile sensing for robots.