Job description

This challenging postdoc position asks for both a scientific and an entrepreneurial mind, as it intends to bring lab-proven technology closer to the actual application. Are you inspired by soft robotic sensing, but also interested in interviewing professionals in robotics for the agri-food sector to find that perfect use case for our project?

In this project, we will be developing a drop-in pneumatic sensing unit, which can be added to existing soft grippers and suction cups for the agri-food industry. This postdoc position is funded through an NWO Demonstrator grant, which makes it a special kind of project. The goal of the project is to bring the technology that the project team already demonstrated in the lab closer to a product that would be useable in real agri-food robotic use cases. Thus, you will not only prototype and iterate on the pneumatic unit, but stakeholder interviews and field visits to understand potential use cases will also be an important part of this project.
You will be embedded in the Reshape lab within the Robotics Section of the Mechanical Engineering Department. In this lab, there is a good infrastructure for rapid prototyping of both rigid and soft components, and for sensing and control of soft robots. Moreover, the Demonstrator project team and the companies involved in the Sounding Board will be available as a resource throughout the project. Together, we aim to take the next step in soft robotic sensing, by giving a sense of touch to robots which harvest and package vegetables, fruits, and other food products.

Job requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a Ph D in soft robotic research, or a comparable domain.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Familiarity with designing a business plan
• Experience in industry is a plus
• A team player who enjoys coaching Ph D and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

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 station. In addition, we offer you:

• 0.85 FTE employment for 1.5 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €4,020 max. €5,278).
• 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.

Information and application

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Femke van Beek, Assistant Professor, f.e.v.beek@tue.nl.


Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment.


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Application
We invite you to submit a complete application 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.
• List of five self-selected ‘best publications’.

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.