TactoChem – Robotic Systems Chemistry

University of Groningen; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation hours

End-of-year bonus

Holiday allowance

Personal and professional development

Job summary

The University of Groningen seeks a highly qualified postdoctoral researcher to advance chemically driven robotics and touch sensing. This two-year project aims to develop innervated soft robotic hands and explore how chemical networks propagate signals within robotic components.

As an experienced chemist with a track record in systems chemistry, microfluidics and kinetic modelling, you will lead design, modelling and prototype development while supervising students and collaborating with

Qualifications

• PhD in synthetic and systems chemistry or equivalent.
• Proven track-record in designing reaction networks, working with microfluidic setups, and kinetic modelling.
• Proficiency in advanced analytical techniques and project management.
• Excellent publication record, international visibility, and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Design reaction networks that propagate chemical signals to chemical actuators.
• Model and predict signalling dynamics.
• Develop robotic prototypes with built-in microfluidic channels.
• Build and maintain chemical and robotic setups.
• Train and supervise students.
• Lead subgroups and contribute to publications in an international setting.

Skills

Systems chemistry

Microfluidics

Kinetic modelling

Analytical techniques

Project management

Publication record

Leadership

Grant writing

Communication

Education

PhD in synthetic and systems chemistry

Job description

Chemistry » Reaction mechanisms and dynamics

Chemistry » Applied chemistry

Organisation/Company University of Groningen Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Engineering » Chemical engineering Chemistry » Reaction mechanisms and dynamics 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 chemist with a track-record in systems chemistry and microfluidics, and skills in kinetic 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 reaction networks propagate signals within 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 reaction networks that propagate chemical signals to chemical actuators.
• Model and predict signalling dynamics.
• 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 synthetic and systems chemistry or equivalent.
• A proven track-record in designing reaction networks, working with microfluidic setups, and kinetic modelling.
• Proficiency in advanced analytical techniques and project management.
• Motivation to learn about polymer 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.

Selection process

Interested?

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

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]