PhD in bioinspired physical control of soft robots

Introduction

Even the simplest organisms operate without external control, why can’t robots? Are you motivated to build the next generation of robust and efficient intelligent systems, inspired by autonomy in nature? Come join us as a PhD candidate, and advance active adaptation in soft robotics!

Job Description

In nature, physical processes enable reflexes and dynamic control, such as rapid closure of a Venus flytrap, efficient locomotion, and our heartbeat. Soft robotics leverages mechanics to achieve similar functionality, such as actuator sequencing in an artificial heart or a robotic walker. Instead of relying on software, this behavior is encoded in ‘fluidic neural networks’ – circuits made of rubber valves connected by tubes that are powered by pressurized gas or liquid. These circuits have a nonlinear response that implements memory and activation thresholds. Combined with the intrinsic ability of soft actuators to sense interactions with their environment, fluidic circuits enable a next generation of autonomous soft systems that respond dynamically to their environment, by leveraging nonlinear mechanics and multiphysics interactions.

We are looking for a PhD candidate to explore the future of physical control with us, focusing on:

Active adaptation in fluid-driven soft robots

The aim of the project is to develop a systematic method to design physical control circuits for soft robots. You will

• design and perform experiments to study how soft actuators respond to mechanical interactions
• capture these interactions in improved models of physical control circuits
• design and evaluate soft fluidic components that form the building blocks of ‘fluidic neural networks’
• use advanced numerical tools (non-linear FEM, evolutionary optimization, Reinforcement Learning), to optimize and train networks in context.

You are expected to share your results at international conferences and through high-impact publications, and you will contribute to our education by supervising MSc and BSc students.

Embedding and facilities

You will be supervised by Luuk van Laake, who leads the newly founded Neuromorphic Mechanics group. The group is associated with Neuromorphic Engineering, led by prof. Yoeri van de Burgt, and is part of the Microsystems section headed by prof. Jaap den Toonder. The Microsystems section is associated with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), and is part of the Mechanical Engineering Department. The Microsystems section manages the Microfab lab, a state-of-the-art micro fabrication facility that houses micro-manufacturing, prototyping, and measurement technologies. Furthermore, you will benefit from our excellent connections with other research groups and facilities in Eindhoven, in The Netherlands, and internationally.

Job Requirements

• You hold an excellent MSc degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, microsystems, or another relevant engineering/scientific field.
• You are curious, intrinsically motivated to learn and advance the state-of-the-art, and organized and resourceful in turning your ideas into results.
• You are motivated to combine experiments (hands-on), simulations and theory, across your core expertise and beyond.
• You are a team player who enjoys supervising BSc and MSc students.
• You will work in a multidisciplinary and international group. You should be fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).  
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr.ir. Luuk van Laake ([email protected]).

Visit our website for more information about the application process.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
•  A transcript of your BSc and MSc course grades.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.