Open Positions
PhD & Postdoc Postions
Our group is looking for three postdocs and one PhD for the project funded by ERC Starting Grant: "Distributed Addressable Robotic Material via Wavelength-Division-Multiplexing (ColorfulAct)". ColorfulAct aims to establish the building blocks of physical intelligence parallel to nodes and connections to artifical intelligence. We will develop distributed and addressable robotic actuating materials that demostrate multifunctionality through the broad bandwidth of light.
Job description:
Track 1: Fiber-based soft optical actuator
Design and fabrication of high-performance soft optical actuator; Design, modeling, and scalable manufacturing of miniature, highly integrated fiber actuator; Demonstration of multifunctional soft robotic systems
Track 2: Soft optical actuator and network
Design and fabrication of high-performance soft optical actuator; Design, modeling, and fabrication of soft optical network for light multiplexing; System-level demonstrations where distributed actuation enables new robotic functions
Track 3: Biomedical soft robot with light
Design and synthesis of biocompatible soft materials for high-performance optical actuation; Design and fabrication of minimally invasive soft robotic devices (surgerical tools/implants); Proof-of-concept demonstrations in medical robotics applications
Track 4: Soft robotic design with distributed addressable actuators
Design, modeling, and fabrication of 3D soft robots with distributed and addressable actuators; System integration for multifunctionality and reconfigurability; Demonstrate these robotic funtions in real world applications
All tracks: Supervise master/bachelor students; Teaching assistant for the robotic materials class
Profile:
Must haves for postdocs (all tracks): PhD degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field from a top university; Strong experimental background with documented achievements (publications, patents, prototypes, competitions) in soft actuators, devices, or robotic materials.; Ability to independently lead research projects and mentor junior researchers; Strong communication skills to collaborate across disciplines.
Must haves for PhD (all tracks): A master's degree and outstanding academic record from a top university in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field; Demonstrated research experience in soft actuators, optics, materials design, or biomedical robotics; Excellent problem-solving abilities and a passion for interdisciplinary research.
Preferred expertise:
Track 1: Advanced experience in fiber manufacturing or functional fiber integration; microfabrication.
Track 2: Background in optics and experience with soft optical devices; microfabrication.
Track 3: Skills in polymer/biomaterial synthesis and characterization for robotic applications.
Track 4: Advanced experience in soft robotic design with a high level of integration for multifunctionality.
We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents as a single PDF:
A cover letter indicating which track you are applying for (Track 1/2/3/4, or a combination)
CVPublication list with a few sentences highlighting representative works
Contact details of two referees
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. The preferred start date is December 1st, 2025. Applications before October 15th, 2025 will be fully considered. Further information should be directed to Prof. Hedan Bai at . All applications should be submitted through this portal, and applications through emails will not be considered.
More detailed information and applying online here.
Student Projects
Master projects, master thesis, and bachelor thesis are continuously available. We welcome motivated students from Materials Science, Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical Engineering or related backgrounds. Interested students should send their cv to Prof. Hedan Bai.