PhD in Synchronization in soft autonomous machines

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Introduction

Are you fascinated by nonlinear mechanical and dynamical behaviour? Do you want to explore how we can use effects such as self-oscillations and synchronization to introduce and design emergent autonomous behaviour in soft machines? Do you operate best in an interdisciplinary team?

Job Description

How can we harness dynamical behaviour—rather than suppress it—to achieve autonomy in soft robotics? In this PhD, you will explore how synchronization in self-oscillating soft tubes and other systems can give rise to collective, emergent behavior. Building on recent work that was inspired by the dynamics of inflatable sky dancers (see short movie about our publication in Science), you will investigate how mechanical interactions between self-oscillators can be designed to achieve robust, adaptive, and autonomous operation in soft machines.

Your role: You will design and study soft bodies with embedded pneumatic circuits that exhibit tunable oscillatory behavior. By shaping both material properties and fluidic network architectures, you will uncover how synchronization patterns emerge—and how they can be controlled to enable different modes of locomotion, manipulation, or sensing.

You will combine experiments and numerical simulations, with a strong emphasis on hands-on experimentation and data analysis. You will build and test physical systems by using rapid prototyping techniques, develop measurement and analysis tools, and use simulations to guide design and interpretation. This is a curiosity-driven project at the intersection of physics, soft robotics, and nonlinear dynamics, with the goal of redefining how we control compliant machines. Your work will help establish new design principles for soft robotic systems that can operate robustly in uncertain environments without complex control.

Research environment: You will work in at TU/e (formerly Soft Robotic Matter at AMOLF), which is part of the Dynamics & Control Section in the Mechanical Engineering Department. You will be embedded in a collaborative and inclusive team that combines experimental physics, materials science, and robotics, with access to state-of-the-art fabrication and experimental facilities.

The Autonomous Matter & Machines Lab explores how to embody autonomous behaviour in soft machines and materials. We draw inspiration from seemingly simple mechanical and dynamical phenomena like the sputtering of a ketchup bottle, the flailing of a sky dancer, or the symmetry-breaking occurring upon the inflation of interconnected balloons, that turn out to originate from rich nonlinear behaviour. These tangible and often playful systems provide deep insights into mechanics and dynamics, while also offering a unique entry point for knowledge sharing in research and beyond.

Our aim is to leverage these fundamental insights directly into real-world applications. Similar to how autonomy can emerge in natural systems, we demonstrate the opportunity for finding embodied alternatives to centralised processes (such as AI) that originate from dynamic interaction and environmental feedback. Applications that we are working on in collaboration with various partners include the development of a soft robotic heart that can autonomously adapt to physiological changes, soft grippers that can sense and handle delicate fruits and vegetables, and sustainable architectural facades that adapt to environmental conditions without external power or control.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in, e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Robotics, Industrial Design.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in public outreach activities.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Hands-on experimental mindset (with rapid prototyping techniques), and affinity with data analysis and numerical simulations.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Initiative and creativity in developing new research direction
• Ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary and inclusive environment
• 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 station. In 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

, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881). * 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

. * An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.

• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus

at an exceptionally affordable rate. * An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.

• A

and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our . 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 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech 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 .

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof.dr.ir. Bas Overvelde, .

Visit our website for more information about the . You can also contact .

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the .

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

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

. * Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Type of employment: missing | Contract type: full time | Number of positions: 1 | Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE | City: Eindhoven | County: Noord-Brabant | Country: Netherlands | Reference number: 2026/293 | Published: 2026-05-18 | Last application date: 2026-05-31