Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Vacancies at University of Twente

Minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as needle insertions, catheter deployments, and micro-robotic operations, have transformed medical interventions by reducing the need for large incisions and enhancing clinical outcomes. The primary objective of this research project is to develop advanced methodologies for modeling and controlling a range of soft/flexible surgical devices and medical microrobots. These innovations aim to enhance targeting accuracy during medical procedures as these devices navigate through the human body. The project focuses on creating techniques to monitor and direct the movement of these novel devices, utilizing cutting-edge imaging technologies like MR and ultrasound. This research will be conducted at the Surgical Robotics Laboratory and the Department of Biomechanical Engineering. The project also presents exceptional opportunities for collaboration with the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, the University Medical Centre Groningen, and various international institutions.

• Educational Background: Candidates should possess a master’s degree in mechanical, biomedical, or electrical engineering, applied physics, nanotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
• Skill Set and Experience: Applicants are expected to have excellent skills and practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • System dynamics and control
  • Robotics
  • Mechatronics
  • Mechanical design
  • Image processing
  • Nano-/micro-fabrication technologies
• Interdisciplinary Expertise: Experience that bridges multiple of these areas is highly desirable, indicating a well-rounded expertise beneficial for the project.

This position is ideal for candidates who are adept in integrating complex engineering principles with cutting-edge medical technologies, aiming to significantly improve surgical outcomes through innovation and collaboration.

The Holland Hybrid Heart (HHH) consortium, funded by a 10M € NWA grant and involving top Dutch universities and businesses, focuses on creating a pioneering soft-robotics, hybrid-tissue heart. The project requires a specialist in advanced 3D printing techniques for hyperelastic elastomers and integration of smart fibers into soft robotic systems. The role is crucial for developing new tools and materials to realize the complex design of the artificial heart.

• Educational Background: A Master’s degree in Mechanics, Mechatronics, Robotics, Manufacturing and Production, or related fields.
• Experimental Skills: Demonstrable experience in designing and prototyping robotic systems, mechanisms, and machines.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in mechatronics and programming of robotic systems, with a strong focus on soft robotics.
• 3D Printing Knowledge: Solid understanding and practical experience with 3D printing technologies.
• Research Passion: A strong drive for scientific inquiry and exceptional motivation as a researcher.
• Critical Thinking: A penchant for original research with a critical approach to evaluating experimental findings.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English.
• Teamwork: Excellent team collaboration skills.
• Laboratory Experience: Practical laboratory experience is valuable, particularly in additive manufacturing, soft robotic technologies, microfabrication, mechanisms and robotic systems, and material processing techniques. This will be considered a significant advantage.

The POSEIDON project, an integral part of the EU Horizon 2020 Marie Skiodowska-Curie Actions, is proud to offer 13 Ph.D. research positions. This project, “POSEIDON – Improving Offshore Infrastructure Resilience Against Geohazards in a Changing Climate,” is supported by Horizon Europe through the Marie Skiodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN). It unites 16 beneficiaries and partners across seven European countries, including prestigious universities and industry leaders. The project focuses on conducting fundamental, multidisciplinary research to understand the complexities of Offshore Critical Infrastructures and aims to train 13 Doctoral Candidates in new methods to tackle offshore geohazards, enhancing infrastructure resilience amid climate change. Further details are available on the POSEIDON webpage.

The POSEIDON team is looking for motivated, enthusiastic, and curiosity-driven researchers with:

1. A Master’s degree (or near completion) in Civil Engineering, Geophysics, Geology, Geotechnics, Earth Sciences, Applied Mathematics, or related fields.
2. Programming skills, which are highly advantageous.
3. A team player attitude, ready to collaborate in a dynamic scientific and engineering environment.
4. Creativity, passion, and high motivation for innovative research.
5. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, and excellent communication skills for effective network training participation.
6. An eagerness to work closely with both industrial and academic partners, involving regular meetings and work visits, and a preference for an interdisciplinary and international work setting.
7. Compliance with MSCA project mobility rules: Candidates should not have resided or been primarily active in the host institution’s country for more than 12 months in the 3 years preceding recruitment.
8. Eligibility as a doctoral candidate at the date of recruitment, excluding those who already hold a doctoral degree or have formally completed their Ph.D. studies.

The Doctoral Network focuses on a range of topics, from experimental to computational, and spans both fundamental and applied research. This initiative aims to position Europe at the forefront of biomolecules research, particularly in their development for high-volume commodities and low-volume, high-value compounds. These compounds have significant applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The scientific goal of the network is to generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge, insights, and solutions related to sustainable biomaterials production. This research will facilitate significant advancements in the production of these materials on a large scale, specifically targeting their use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics within Europe. Detailed information about each PhD position can be found at Bio-Gentle.

Candidates for this program should be:

1. Enthusiastic and highly motivated researchers.
2. Holders of a Master’s degree or soon-to-be graduates in fields such as (chemical) engineering, physical chemistry, physics, bioengineering, food processing, or related areas.
3. Individuals with a creative mindset, possessing outstanding analytical and communication skills.
4. Team players who thrive in interdisciplinary and international settings.
5. Proficient in English.
6. Compliant with mobility requirements: applicants should not have resided or primarily worked/studied in the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately preceding their recruitment. Short stays, such as vacations, are excluded from this condition.

Climate change significantly impacts the emotional well-being of young people worldwide, leading to a spectrum of emotions such as anxiety, sadness, anger, and frustration. This emotional distress has far-reaching individual and societal effects. Therefore, there’s a critical need for designing holistic interventions specifically for young adults who navigate both digital and physical realms. The core of this project is the development of a hybrid storytelling intervention. This innovative approach aims to mitigate climate distress in young adults by fostering narrative identity and climate agency through storytelling. The intervention incorporates various elements like self-reflective writing, VR experiences, and social audio reflections to help young adults craft and relate to their narrative identities, enhancing their ability to address climate challenges.

PhD Candidate Profile:

• Educational Background: MSc in psychology or a related field. Candidates nearing graduation may also apply.
• Interests and Skills: A strong inclination towards climate psychology, mixed-methods research (including statistical or qualitative data analysis), and digital environments like Virtual Reality.
• Writing and Language Proficiency: Demonstrable high-quality scientific writing skills. Proficiency in English (both written and spoken) is essential. Dutch language skills or willingness to learn are a plus.
• Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication and social abilities, particularly in interdisciplinary settings.
• Teamwork: A collaborative spirit, enjoying work in an interdisciplinary and international context.

The University of Twente’s BMPI group offers a fully-funded 18-month project opportunity for a postdoc or researcher in the field of early cancer detection at the tissue and cellular levels. They intend to develop a photoacoustic microscope to identify cancer cells and tumors.

To qualify for this position, candidates should meet the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD (or MSc.) in physics, biomedical engineering, biomedical imaging, or a related discipline.
• Possess knowledge and expertise in photoacoustic and/or ultrasound imaging.
• Exhibit a proactive approach, viewing research challenges as potential opportunities.
• Demonstrate proficiency in coding using MATLAB (or Python).
• Display effective communication and teamwork abilities, with a strong command of the English language.
• Possess self-motivation and a deep interest in conducting collaborative and independent research.

The statistics research group at the University of Twente invites applications for two postdoc positions (up to 3 years) and for one PhD (four years). These positions are part of an ERC consolidator grant. The aim of the research program is to generalize the recent statistical theory from artificial neural networks to biological neural networks. While deep learning is inspired by the functioning of the brain, there are distinctive differences in terms of the underlying network structures and the learning. If the research is successful, it has the potential to provide insights into how the brain learns and may lead to recommendations on how to make AI more efficient with less data. The project is one out of four ERC CoG 2023 projects that have been highlighted by the European Research Council.

• They are seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated researchers.
• They should have, or will shortly acquire, a PhD in the field of Statistics, Mathematics, or similar.
• They must possess a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• They should have a strong team spirit and a preference for working in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
• Proficiency in English is required.

The postdoc position in Digital Finance is a part of DIGITAL, an international Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Industrial Doctoral Network comprising eight prestigious European universities (University of Twente, WU Vienna, HU Berlin, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Babes-Bolyai University, Bern Business School, Kaunas University of Technology, and University of Naples), six industrial partners (Deloitte, Swedbank, Intesa Sanpaolo, Raiffeisen Bank, Cardo AI, and Royalton Partners), three outstanding research centers (ARC Greece, EIT Digital, and Fraunhofer Institute), and the European Central Bank. They are seeking a candidate with expertise in Finance to strengthen the DIGITAL network links, participate in its individual research projects, and support DIGITAL’s management team and activities.

• Hold a PhD in Finance, Computer Science, or any DIGITAL-related field.
• Possess an excellent publication record.
• Have substantial international experience.
• Demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for working in an international environment, collaborating with diverse partners, and expanding the network.
• Exhibit a deep passion for the digitalization of the finance industry and its influence on people’s lives.
• Be fluent in English.

Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized medicine by enabling interventions without large incisions, thereby significantly improving clinical outcomes. Such surgical techniques include insertions of needles, flexible snake-like continuum robots, and micro- and nano-robots. For effective medical diagnosis and treatment, the devices must reach their intended targets. The goal of this research project is to develop new methods to design, manufacture, and control novel micro/nano-robotic systems that mimic the motion of organisms. Techniques will be developed to track and control the path of these novel devices using images from MR and ultrasound imaging modalities. The position involves building upon the existing expertise in the lab in the field of micro-robotics and image-guided control of flexible surgical devices.

They are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:

• A PhD degree in mechanical, biomedical, or electrical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Excellent skills and practical experience in one or more of the following research areas: robotics, mechatronics, and nano-/micro-fabrication technologies. Experience at the intersection of one or more of these areas is desirable.
• Proficiency in English, both in speaking and writing.

This research position will be conducted within the Surgical Robotics Laboratory and the Department of Biomechanical Engineering, with opportunities for collaboration with the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and several institutions abroad.