2 PHD positions: Design and Additive Manufacturing Technology for Fabrication of A Hybrid Soft Robotic Heart - Enschede, Nederland - University of Twente

    University of Twente
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    Beschrijving

    Your project is part of the Holland Hybrid Heart (HHH) consortium, the group that will produce the first ever soft-robotics, hybrid-tissue heart. The HHH consortium is a partnership between Erasmus MC, Eindhoven University of Technology, Amolf, University of Twente, Saxion, Delft University of Technology and several business partners. The consortium was awarded a 10M € grant by the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA), in light of the NWA-ORC-call, in which the HHH ranked 1st out of 15 awarded grants. The HHH consortium aims to do the necessary fundamental research up until the animal trials to produce an artificial heart. The goals for this heart will be that it will be pliable, has a pulsatile flow and has a tissue-engineered lining wherever human blood touches that heart. This project will only be successful if all the brains and talents of our researchers collaborate intensively. We therefore organize ourselves into research teams that aim to accomplish clear, identifiable but challenging goals.

    Your task in this project, will be to focus on novel 3D printing techniques of hyperelastic elastomer, and investigate novel moths for integration smart fibers into the printed soft robotic systems. You will aim at engineering and scientific approaches: to propose new tools, printing solutions and materials that can satisfy the required complexity for realization of the soft robotics hybrid heart. The outcome of this project should provide new knowledge and technology that will enable 3D printing of complicated multifunctional soft robots feasible.

    Your profile

  • You have MSc. in mechanics, mechatronics, robotics, manufacturing and production, or similar fields.
  • You have visible experimental skills in design, prototyping of robotic systems, mechanisms and machines.
  • You have experience in mechatronics and programming of robotic systems.
  • You have high knowledge and interest in soft robotics.
  • You have good practical knowledge about 3D printing.
  • You display a strong passion to science and exceptional motivation as a researcher.
  • You like dealing with new concepts and doing original research but you are of critical approach to evaluating experimental findings.
  • You are fluent in English.
  • You are a great teammate.
  • Since the work will be mostly experimental, experience in the laboratory in any level is appreciated; but experience in additive manufacturing, soft robotic technologies, micro fabrication, mechanisms and robotic systems, and material processing techniques will be considered as an advantage.
  • Our offer

  • An appointment for 4 years as a PhD researcher.
  • A salary ranging from € 2.770,- gross per month in the first year to € 3.539,- gross per month in the 4th year of your PhD appointment.
  • Terms of employment in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO).
  • A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
  • Pension as part of the solid Dutch scheme (ABP).
  • Access to the state-of-art research facilities.
  • Large campus with numerous options for free-of-charge recreational and sport activities.
  • Professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente.