PhD position – Manufacturing Full 3D Printed Electronic Devices Using 6 Axis Robots and Non-Planar Additive Manufacturing (Full3D)

This fully funded PhD position at Université Grenoble Alpes offers an exciting opportunity to advance the field of additive manufacturing by developing full 3D printed electronic devices using six-axis industrial robots and non-planar additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. The project, part of the PhD@Tec21 Programme and co-funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND actions, aims to create multifunctional, deformable, and structurally integrated electronic systems embedded within soft or rigid 3D structures. The research will be conducted in collaboration between two leading laboratories on the Grenoble Campus: LGP2 Laboratory, specializing in LDM additive manufacturing, conductive ink formulation, and robotic fabrication of 3D electric circuits; and 3SR Laboratory, with expertise in multiphysics modeling, X-ray tomography, and mechanical characterization. A minimum three-month secondment at the ChiLab-ITEM lab of Politecnico di Torino (Italy) will provide additional experience in sensor and circuit design using both conventional and additive technologies. Supervised by Dr. Davide Beneventi (LGP2, CNRS), Dr. Laurent Orgéas (3SR, CNRS), and Dr. Valentina Bertana (ChiLab-ITEM, PoliTo), the PhD student will join a multidisciplinary team including experts in materials science, robotics, electronics, and computational modeling. The project will focus on several research axes: ink–substrate interaction and processability, design and multiphysics modeling of 3D electronic devices, and robotic additive manufacturing process development. Key activities include surveying current materials and processes for 3D electronics, characterizing electronic inks for compatibility with AM techniques, developing simulation models to predict device performance under mechanical stress, and validating these models through experimental studies. The ultimate goal is to establish a comprehensive design–simulation–fabrication framework for rapid prototyping of next-generation embedded electronic devices, such as soft robotic grippers and piezoelectric actuators with integrated sensing or energy-harvesting capabilities. The position offers a 36-month full-time contract with a competitive salary (gross 2,669 EUR/month, net 2,050–2,152 EUR/month), full social security and health insurance, visa and registration fee coverage, and access to high-level training, equipment, and networking events. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant engineering or applied science field and demonstrate strong experimental, analytical, and interdisciplinary research skills. Experience with additive manufacturing, electronic ink formulation, robotic control software, and finite element modeling is highly desirable. Applicants should be motivated, adaptable, and capable of working independently and collaboratively across disciplines. The application deadline is February 28, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the PhD@Tec21 portal. For questions, contact the PhD@Tec21 Management Board.