PhD in Physical Control at the Microscale Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

PhD opportunity at Eindhoven University of Technology in the area of physical control at the microscale, within the Neuromorphic Mechanics group and the Microsystems section of the Mechanical Engineering Department.

This project explores how physical control functions such as memory, thresholds, coupling, and sensing can be realized at (sub-)millimeter dimensions. The work is inspired by soft robotics, fluidic neural networks, and physical processes seen in nature. The successful candidate will develop understanding of control mechanisms at the macroscale, then envision, analyze, simulate, design, fabricate, and test microscale devices that demonstrate autonomous behavior without conventional software control.

You will have access to the Microfab lab and advanced microscale fabrication and measurement facilities, and you will contribute to a collaborative research environment. The role includes opportunities to present at international conferences, publish high-impact papers, and supervise BSc and MSc student projects.

Supervision is provided by Luuk van Laake, who leads the Neuromorphic Mechanics group, with links to the groups of Prof. Yoeri van de Burgt and Prof. Jaap den Toonder. The position is embedded in the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) and the broader research ecosystem at TU/e in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

Applicants should hold an excellent MSc degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, microsystems, or a related field. Strong motivation to combine experiments, simulations, and theory is expected; microfabrication experience is highly preferred. The role requires fluent English (C1), teamwork, and an interest in supervising students.

This is a full-time PhD employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Funding follows the Dutch university collective agreement at scale P, including salary, holiday allowance, year-end bonus, and standard employment benefits.

Apply online with a cover letter, CV including publications and three references, and transcripts of BSc and MSc grades. The vacancy remains open until filled, but complete applications are prioritized. Deadline shown on the post: 2026-08-30.