PhD in Liquid Crystal Polymer Surfaces for Mechanical Haptics Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is offering a PhD position in Liquid Crystal Polymer Surfaces for Mechanical Haptics within a Vici project on tactile interfaces for the digital age. The project aims to create responsive polymer coatings that can communicate through touch and generate realistic tactile sensations for applications in human-machine interaction, assistive technology, virtual and augmented reality, prosthetics, and wearable devices.

The PhD research will focus on mechanical haptics using liquid crystal polymer and liquid crystal elastomer coatings. These materials can reversibly change shape, surface texture, stiffness, and adhesion in response to triggers such as heat, light, or electric fields. The work includes designing and fabricating dynamic surfaces with tactile features such as corrugations, Braille-like patterns, responsive fibres, suction-inspired structures, and switchable soft-hard interfaces. A key scientific challenge is translating molecular-level liquid crystal ordering into macroscopic surface responses that can be perceived by human touch.

You will work at the interface of materials science, polymer engineering, soft matter physics, and device-oriented prototyping. The project involves coating fabrication and optimization, programmable molecular alignment, development of responsive topographies and modulus-changing surfaces, actuation studies, and quantitative testing of deformation, switching speed, stiffness, friction, adhesion, and mechanical durability. You will also collaborate with researchers working on molecular synthesis, chemical haptics, electronics, and perception studies, and contribute to demonstrator devices for tactile displays and wearable haptic interfaces.

The position is suitable for candidates with a master’s degree or equivalent in materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, polymer science, soft matter physics, applied physics, microfabrication, or surface engineering. Experience with liquid crystals, polymers, responsive materials, microscopy, mechanical testing, 3D printing, lithography, or soft actuators is an advantage. The university especially welcomes motivated candidates who enjoy hands-on experimental work, interdisciplinary collaboration, and working with industrial partners, and who are fluent in spoken and written English.

The appointment is a full-time PhD position for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. The salary is according to the Dutch university collective labour agreement, scale P, with a gross monthly salary between €3,204 and €4,051, plus a year-end bonus and annual vacation pay. The role also includes training opportunities, teaching tasks, and access to TU/e’s research infrastructure and campus facilities.

Applications must be submitted online. A complete application should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae with publications, and contact information for three references. The vacancy is open until the position is filled, and incomplete applications may be given lower priority.