PostDoc researcher for liquid crystal-polymer displays for Human-Machine Interactions

We have a vacancy for a post-doctoral researcher, with a background in device design, prototypical and electrical engineering, for projects in the field of advanced materials for soft robotic haptic wearable applications at the Human Interactive Materials (HIM) group in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), The Netherlands.

Research background
Soft robotic haptics is a relatively new subfield of robotics, focusing on designing compliant material systems to communicate with human users through tactile signals. When integrated into conventional electronics, soft robotic haptics systems have the potential for major impact where immersion, tactile dynamism and safe human/machine interactions are crucial, such as in navigational assistive wearables and virtual reality systems. Moreover, soft robotic haptics can introduce a sense of touch in devices where switchable, high-resolution and local tactile communication is unprecedented, such as touchscreen displays, car steering wheels with haptic warning systems, haptic control handles for remotely operated surgical robots, and e-readers for visually impaired users.

At the HIM group, we perform research on stimuli-responsive liquid crystal polymers to achieve such advanced haptic functions. We envision creating materials that can feel, sense and behave as haptic films on a screen, with enhanced sensitivity and accuracy. They must be electrically-integrated, making them compatible with the digital electronic infrastructure for conventional display devices. With long-term development we anticipate the creation of revolutionary, self-developing soft robotic haptics within wearables.

Project description
You will be joining a multidisciplinary research group, where we develop responsive materials that address the continuously advancing needs in human-machine communication, specialized medicine and miniaturized mechanics. More information can be found at www.danqingliu.nl.

A key aspect of our projects is to translate the haptic effects of our materials into devices that are complementary to conventional, daily-use devices, such as electronic displays. We envision a device where the user can feel the images on their screen instead of just feel them; this has great potential for online marketing. Yet, to achieve this, an electrically-functionalized version of our material must be adapted into a digital-driving infrastructure to produce haptic voxels that function in-tandem with optic display pixels.

Requirements:

We are looking for a talented and motivated post-doctoral researcher who meets the following requirements:

• Background in innovative device engineering and industrial design is required; this should be supported by relevant published manuscripts.
• Basic experience with haptics and haptics-generating devices (i.e. piezoelectrics, ultrasound mid-air, cutaneous) is much appreciated.
• 4 years of experience in electronics and prototype design within a laboratory is required.
• Ability to communicate well with peers from a different scientific background.
• Ability to work independently within a dynamic team and multidisciplinary research environment.

Salary Benefits:

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 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,060 max. € 5,331).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

40 hours per week

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