PhD Position in Haptics

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

PhD Position in Haptics

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/advance innovative haptic displays for surface interactions,
2. design tactile signals with specific attributes,
3. conduct human-participant experiments to evaluate perceptual responses to the haptic feedback,
4. apply machine learning algorithms to analyze perceptual and physical data.

Beside 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, and
• 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 the Delft University of Technology. Our overarching goal is to understand how tactile information, including the skin's mechanical deformation and thermal responses, 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 applications who have:

• high motivation for working on an interdisciplinary research project,
• MSc. degree* in a related subject (Mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, computer science, 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 attributes:

• fabrication of soft actuators/sensors
• application of machine learning algorithms
• signal processing
• mechatronic design

are specifically encouraged to apply.

Doing a Ph.D. at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

We aim for a starting date of February 1st, 2026.

* The students who are pursuing an MSc. degree with a planned graduation in a couple of months can also apply.

* Female candidates are specifically encouraged to apply.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but 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 everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to €3881 in the fourth year. 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.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Yasemin Vardar, via y.vardar@tudelft.nl