The Soft Robotics Research Group at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, focuses on the intersection of soft robotics, mechanical instabilities, and (micro)fabrication. Our goal is to create systems that interact with humans by leveraging the unique properties of soft materials and innovative mechanical design. We emphasize theoretical design, numerical optimization, and experimental validation of prototypes ranging from the centimeter to the millimeter scale.
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Project

Profile

The ideal candidate should meet the following requirements:

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or equivalent with distinction
• Strong background in solid mechanics and micromanufacturing
• Experience with finite element modeling and experimental validation
• Proficiency in English
• Creative, problem-solving, ambitious, and a team player

Offer

• A four-year doctoral scholarship and a PhD in Engineering Science upon successful completion
• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year
• Benefits including health insurance and access to university sports facilities
• Opportunities to engage in an exciting international research environment, collaborate on research projects, and participate in international conferences
• Excellent doctoral training at the Arenberg Doctoral School in an international setting, enabling skill development for completing your PhD and becoming an independent researcher. Additional learning opportunities are available through trainings, summer schools, and lecture series both within and outside KU Leuven
• Starting date: November 2024

Interested?

For more information, please contact Prof. Benjamin Gorissen via email: benjamin.gorissen@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment. We value diversity and believe that open dialogue and different perspectives are crucial for ambitious research and education. We do not tolerate discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, neurodivergence, disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support, please contact us at this email address.