PhD in Device Integration and Sensing for Liquid Crystal Polymer Haptic Interfaces

Introduction

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to integrate responsive liquid crystal polymer coatings into functional haptic devices. This position is part of the Vici project Beyond sight and sound: liquid crystal polymer-based tactile interfaces for the digital age. The project aims to develop interactive surfaces that communicate through touch enabling future applications in tactile displays wearable navigation systems prosthetics remote communication and immersive virtual or augmented reality.

In this PhD project you will focus on device integration localized actuation and sensing. You will work with liquid crystal polymer haptic coatings that can change surface topography stiffness adhesion or tactile output when triggered by electrical or optical signals. Your role will be to integrate these coatings with driving electronics and sensing schemes to create functional demonstrators including a tactile display and wearable haptic devices.

A key scientific and engineering challenge is to create localized addressable haptic feedback at a resolution relevant to human touch. You will investigate driving schemes based on patterned electrodes Joule heating capacitive coupling thin-film transistor backplanes and micro-LED actuation. You will also explore how the dielectric anisotropy of liquid crystal polymers can be used for sensing touch deformation or force.

Job Description

You will:

• develop electrical and optical driving schemes for responsive haptic coatings;
• design and test patterned electrode systems matrix addressing and local actuation strategies;
• integrate liquid crystal polymer coatings into tactile display and wearable demonstrators;
• investigate capacitive or dielectric sensing functions in haptic coatings;
• evaluate device performance including response speed spatial resolution voltage requirements power consumption and durability;
• collaborate with PhD candidates working on mechanical and chemical haptics;
• work with postdoctoral researchers engineers psychologists and external stakeholders;
• publish results in scientific journals and present your work at conferences.
  
  

Job Requirements

• A masters degree (or an equivalent university degree)in the areas below.
• We are looking for a candidate with a background in one or more of the following fields:
  • materials science;
  • electrical engineering;
  • mechanical engineering;
  • applied physics;
  • chemical engineering;
  • microsystems technology;
  • soft robotics;
  • sensor or actuator systems.
• Experience with electronics printed circuit boards microcontrollers capacitive sensing flexible electronics optical actuation liquid crystals polymers or device prototyping is highly welcome. The ideal candidate enjoys combining hands-on device fabrication with materials characterization and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
  
  

Conditions of Employment

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 addition we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme paid pregnancy and maternity leave partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities scale P (min. 3059 - max. 3881 gross per month).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure on-campus childrens day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern oncampus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13000 students and more than 7000 staff forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven a worldleading tech region with more than 7000 hightech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI photonics semiconductors and advanced manufacturing Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the hiring manager dr. Danqing Liu .

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contactEveline de Vetter HR Advisor .

Curious to hear more about what its like as a PhD candidate at TU/e Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.