Yoeri van de Burgt

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on developing organic iontronic neuromorphic devices and circuits, advancing the frontier of adaptive, efficient, and intelligent hardware. The project aims to move beyond traditional silicon-based electronics by leveraging organic mixed ionic–electronic conductors (OMIECs) and iontronic circuits, enabling soft, ion-based devices that can interface directly with sensors, actuators, and biological tissues. The research will explore memory elements, spiking neurons, and learning control at the interface between the human body and intelligent robotic systems. The PhD student will join the van de Burgt group within the Microsystems section, part of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). The group has a strong track record in organic electrochemical synapses, biohybrid synapses modulated by neurotransmitters, neuromorphic biosensors with on-chip learning, and hardware backpropagation in ECRAM arrays. The Microsystems section manages the Microfab lab, a state-of-the-art microfabrication facility supporting advanced device development. Applicants should have a background in electrical or circuit engineering, materials science, robotics, artificial intelligence, microsystems engineering, or a related discipline. Experience in device physics, circuits, sensors, microfabrication, and materials science is highly desirable. Control engineering experience is a plus. Candidates should be hands-on, experimentally skilled, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (€3,059–€3,881/month), plus a year-end bonus (8.3%), annual vacation pay (8%), pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave, and allowances for commuting, home working, and internet costs. International candidates benefit from a tax compensation scheme (30% facility) and support from the Staff Immigration Team. Additional perks include access to on-campus sports facilities and children's day care. Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international institution located in Brainport Eindhoven, a world-class tech region known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. The university fosters a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and offers high-quality training programs to support personal and professional growth. To apply, submit your application online via the provided link. Required documents include a cover letter, CV with publications, and contact information for three references. Only complete applications will be considered. The vacancy remains open until filled, with a deadline of June 6, 2026. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. A pre-employment screening may be part of the selection procedure. For further information, contact Prof. Yoeri van de Burgt ([email protected]) or [email protected]. Explore more about TU/e and the Brainport region on the university website.

Tu Eindhoven University of Technology invites applications for a PhD position in bioinspired physical control of soft robots . This project sits at the intersection of soft robotics, physical intelligence, nonlinear mechanics, and autonomous systems, and is aimed at developing the next generation of robust and efficient intelligent machines inspired by biological autonomy. The research focuses on active adaptation in fluid-driven soft robots . Instead of relying primarily on software-based control, the project explores how physical processes and fluidic circuits can encode memory, thresholds, and reflex-like responses. The successful candidate will investigate how soft actuators respond to environmental interactions, build improved models of these interactions, and design and evaluate soft fluidic components that act as building blocks for fluidic neural networks . The work will also make use of advanced numerical tools such as nonlinear FEM, evolutionary optimization, and reinforcement learning to optimize and train systems in context. The position is embedded in the Neuromorphic Mechanics group , led by Luuk van Laake , and connected to the broader Neuromorphic Engineering activity led by Prof. Yoeri van de Burgt . It is also part of the Microsystems section headed by Prof. Jaap den Toonder , within the Mechanical Engineering Department and associated with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) . The group benefits from access to the Microfab lab , a state-of-the-art microfabrication facility for manufacturing, prototyping, and measurement. The PhD candidate will design and perform experiments, develop models, work on soft fluidic building blocks, and contribute to the broader scientific output of the group through conference presentations and high-impact publications. The role also includes supervision of BSc and MSc students and participation in teaching activities. Applicants should have an excellent MSc degree or equivalent in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, microsystems, or another relevant engineering/scientific discipline. Strong motivation to combine experiments, simulations, and theory is important, as is curiosity, resourcefulness, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and international environment. English fluency at C1 level is required. The position is a full-time PhD employment for four years , with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Compensation follows the Dutch university collective agreement, scale P , with a gross monthly base salary between €3,204 and €4,051 , plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Additional benefits include pension coverage, parental leave provisions, commuting/working-from-home support, training opportunities, and access to on-campus facilities. To apply, submit a complete online application including a cover letter, CV with publication list and three references, and transcripts of BSc and MSc course grades. The vacancy remains open until filled, and incomplete applications may be given lower priority.

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 .