PhD Position Model Based Control of Soft Robots (Robotics)

TL;DR

PhD Position Model Based Control of Soft Robots (Robotics): Developing theoretical and algorithmic control methods for soft robotic platforms with an accent on physical modeling and real-time computation. Focus on deriving reduced-order models and designing controllers that exploit distributed dynamics for autonomous systems.

Location: Based in Delft, The Netherlands

Salary: €3,059 - €3,881 per month

Company

hirify.global is a top international university combining science, engineering, and design to address global challenges in energy, climate, mobility, and health.

What you will do

• Develop model-based control strategies tailored to the compliant nature of soft robotic bodies.
• Derive reduced-order models and design controllers that exploit distributed dynamics.
• Validate theoretical developments experimentally on soft robotic platforms such as tentacle-like manipulators.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers in soft robotics, control theory, and machine learning.
• Present research findings at leading international conferences and collaborate with academic and industrial partners.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Robotics, Control Theory, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Solid background in dynamical systems, modeling, and control.
• Basic programming experience and a strong analytical mindset.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Must be based in or able to relocate to Delft, The Netherlands.

Nice to have

• Prior experience in soft robotics or machine learning for control.
• Experience with experimental robotics and affinity for hands-on work with physical platforms.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary according to the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Enrollment in the hirify.global Graduate School with access to a comprehensive Doctoral Education Programme.
• Relocation support provided via the "Coming to Delft Service" and access to a Dual Career Programme for partners.
• Customisable compensation package and discounts on health insurance.