PhD Positions in Soft Robotics at the University of Groningen in Netherlands

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 30,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence conducts – among others – research in Robotics

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The Robotics group develops systems that are intended to physically interact with uncertain dynamic environments and to cooperate with humans. The group’s main focus is the development of novel actuation systems, which are the key enabling components for motion generation. The work is accomplished by developing unique mechanical designs and intelligent control architectures. Current research projects focus on bio-inspired soft robots and lower-limb prosthetic devices. The Robotics lab is equipped with rapid prototyping facilities (3D printer and laser cutter), and instruments for electromechanical characterization.

Job description

The Robotics group at the University of Groningen has two vacancies for doctoral students on soft robotics. The two PhD positions will be part of the European Horizon2020 project MAGNIFY. The goal of MAGNIFY is to design and realize a new generation of artificial muscles for robotic systems, characterized by high force-to-weight ratio, high flexibility, fast reacting properties, and intrinsic rigidity tuning. The project will use artificial molecular machines, organized in polymer electrospun nanofibers and controlled by electrical stimuli, to realize an artificial macroscopic muscle.

The two PhD positions focus on: (i) the design and fabrication of the different stages of the artificial muscle; (ii) electromechanical characterization of the artificial muscle; iii) development of (analytical, numerical, predictive) models; (iv) development of (non-linear) control techniques; (v) experimental validation.

Qualifications

The successful candidates should have:
• a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, applied physics, or in closely related disciplines
• excellent skills and practical experience in one or more of the following research areas: (soft) robotics, systems and control, MEMs, material science, nanofabrication and electrospinning
• strong academic credentials
• written and spoken English proficiency.

Conditions of employment

The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,222 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 2,840 gross per month in the fourth and final year (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities CAO NU), based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE), excluding a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and a 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance. The positions are limited to a period of 4 years. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidates will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.
The successful candidates will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected.

Application
You may apply for this position until 15 July 23:59h / before 16 July 2018 Dutch local time by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

Application should include:
• letter of motivation
• CV (including contact information for at least two academic references)
• transcripts from the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.

The preferred starting date is 1 October 2018.

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Information

For information you can contact:

• Prof. Dr. Raffaella Carloni, r.carloni@rug.nl

Please do not use the e-mail address(es) above for applications.