PhD position Robotic 3D Printing

Join Us to Unlock the Potential of Robotics for 3D Printing!

Job description

The proposed PhD project will focus on advancing robotic fabrication by integrating multi-axis robotic systems with 3D printing principles, enabling the creation of complex geometries and large-scale structures that surpass the limitations of traditional Cartesian 3D printing. The research will investigate innovative material deposition strategies, toolpath generation algorithms, and adaptive control systems to enable robots to print continuous, non-planar forms with enhanced precision and flexibility. By leveraging the unique capabilities of multi-axis printing, the project aims to unlock new possibilities in digital fabrication and push the boundaries of what can be achieved in large-scale additive manufacturing.

This project is part of an NWO funded initiative titled Space-time Optimization for Additive Manufacturing, which aims to develop and experimentally validate computational design methods that exploit the flexibility of multi-axis printing to achieve superior manufacturing quality. The PhD candidate will work within a multidisciplinary research team spanning computational science, mechanical engineering, and industrial design. Collaboration with industrial partners in the manufacturing sector will offer opportunities for real-world testing and application of the developed methodologies. The overarching goal is to advance additive manufacturing by integrating novel structural design and process planning, ensuring more efficient, scalable, and high-quality fabrication solutions.

While this position is primarily intended for PhD candidates, exceptional applications for postdoctoral researchers will also be considered. Postdoctoral candidates should have a proven track record of published research in robotics, 3D printing, and/or computational design.

Job requirements

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate who enjoys working in a multidisciplinary setting.

Essential qualifications include:

• MSc degree in mechanical engineering or computer science, with a specialization in robotics or computer graphics
• Proficiency in programming
• Knowledge of control systems and 3D printing
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and a creative approach to research and innovation

Doing a PhD 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.

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.

Faculty Industrial Design Engineering

Matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology. This is the focus of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society to create products, services and systems with purpose.

IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability and health, as well as its development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in our inspiring hall, labs and studios.

In close cooperation with industry, the public sector and NGOs we rehearse possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 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.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.