Postdoctoral researcher TactoChem – Chemically Driven Robotic Actuators

University of Groningen via AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Year-end bonus

Holiday allowance

Job summary

University of Groningen seeks a highly skilled material scientist and mechanical engineer to pioneer chemically-driven robotics. In a 2-year project, you will develop innervated soft robotic hands and study how chemical signals translate into motion, working with mechanochemistry, materials, and actuator design experts.

You will lead design, modelling, prototyping, and supervision of PhD and undergraduate students, contributing to high-impact research and publications in a collaborative lab

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering, materials science, or equivalent.
• Track record in designing metamaterials and actuators with modelling support.
• Strong design, project management, and communication skills; independent, collaborative, and multi-disciplinary work.

Responsibilities

• Design robotic components and actuators that respond to chemical signals.
• Optimize geometries and model deformations to match chemical timescales.
• Develop robotic prototypes with microfluidic channels.
• Build and maintain chemical and robotic setups.
• Train and supervise students.
• Excel in a top chemistry group with strong infrastructure.

Skills

Metamaterial design

Actuator design

Modelling

Project management

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or materials science

Tools

Modelling software

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Groningen Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Engineering » Mechanical engineering Chemistry » Physical chemistry Chemistry » Applied chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 22 Oct 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 38.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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.

What are you going to do?

As an experienced material scientist and mechanical engineer with a track-record in actuator design and soft robotics, and skills in modelling, you will pioneer new concepts in chemically-driven robotics. In this 2-year project, you will develop innervated soft robotic hands and study how chemical signals can translate into mechanical motions of these robotic components. Work in a state-of-the-art laboratory together with experts in mechanochemistry, materials, and actuator design.

Your main tasks will include to:

• Design robotic components and actuators that respond to chemical signals.
• Optimize geometries and model deformations to match timescales of chemical processes.
• Develop robotic prototypes with built-in microfluidic channels
• Build and maintain chemical and robotic setups.
• Train and supervise students.
• Excel in a top chemistry group with top-notch infrastructure.

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

• A Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering, material sciences, or equivalent.
• A proven track-record in designing metamaterials and actuators, supported by modelling.
• Proficiency in advanced design techniques and project management.
• Motivation to learn about polymer and systems chemistry and robotic design.
• Excellent publication record, international visibility, and strong independent thinking skills.
• Demonstrable leadership experience in supervising undergraduate students.
• Motivation to develop grant writing skills.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging with both professional and lay audiences.
• Well-developed communication and collaboration skills and the ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment.

Postdoctoral researchers are expected to demonstrate scientific independence, complete own research projects within a larger research agenda, and co-supervise PhD and undergraduate students. They play an integral part in running the project, leading subgroups, staying abreast of developments across fields, and showcasing their work in the international community. We are looking forward for you to joining our team to develop signalling chemistry for touch sensing and create new robotic prototypes.

Additional Information

What can you expect from us?

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

Information about applying

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible. The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy .

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP application code

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Additional comments

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Michael Lerch (Assistant Professor): [e-mail]

Questions about your application process?
Dorien Smit (Human Resources Adviser): [e-mail]