PhD Position Haptics

We are looking for an ambitious Ph.D. student interested in multimodal haptics research!

Job description

The Haptic Interface Technology Lab (HITLab) is seeking an ambitious and motivated Ph.D. student to join our cutting-edge research on the synthesis of multimodal tactile surface sensations.

In this role, you will:

1. Design tactile signals with specific attributes.
2. Conduct human-participant experiments to evaluate perceptual responses to haptic feedback.
3. Apply machine learning algorithms to analyze perceptual and physical data.

Besides this, you will develop your:

• Writing and communication skills by publishing in journals and conferences.
• Presentation and networking skills by attending international conferences.
• Leadership skills by co-supervising B.Sc. and M.Sc. students for their projects and improving lab organization.
• Teaching skills by actively contributing to courses as a teaching assistant.

The Haptic Interface Technology Lab (HITLab) is an interdisciplinary research group led by Dr. Yasemin Vardar at the Human-Robot Interaction Section of the Cognitive Robotics Department of Delft University of Technology. Our overarching goal is to understand how tactile information translates into human perception and how this information can be effectively simulated in digital environments.

Our team benefits from the collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment of the Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Section, creating versatile development opportunities. We have strong collaboration within and outside of the university.

Job requirements

We are looking for applicants who have:

• High motivation for working on an interdisciplinary research project.
• M.Sc. degree in a related subject (Electronics engineering, computer science, mechatronics engineering, or similar).
• Interest in haptics.
• Interest in working in an international team.
• Dare to dream big and take initiative.
• Hunger for learning new things.
• Independent and critical attitude.
• Strong work ethic and scientific integrity.

Candidates who have experience in any of the following are specifically encouraged to apply:

• Signal processing.
• Mechatronic design.
• Data analysis with machine learning algorithms.
• Work with electromechanical hardware (e.g., sensors, actuators).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology offers a collaborative academic environment combining science, engineering and design, with strong research and innovation across areas including energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering offers a dynamic and innovative environment with high-tech lab facilities, international reach, and opportunities to connect different disciplines in research and education.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, a monthly work costs contribution, and flexible work schedules. Support is available for relocation to the Netherlands, including information and events to help you settle in Delft, as well as a Dual Career Programme for accompanying partners.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of 2 employment contracts: an initial 1.5-year contract with an official go/no-go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming performance requirements are met.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a level that enables the candidate to communicate and interact effectively, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.