Introduction
We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to develop a new generation of responsive polymer surfaces that can communicate through touch. The position is part of a Vici project entitled “Beyond sight and sound: liquid crystal polymer-based tactile interfaces for the digital age.” The project aims to create interactive coatings that generate realistic tactile sensations for applications in human-machine interaction, assistive technology, virtual and augmented reality, prosthetics, and wearable devices.
In this PhD project, you will focus on mechanical haptics using liquid crystal polymer and liquid crystal elastomer coatings. These materials can reversibly change their shape, surface texture, stiffness, and adhesion in response to external triggers such as heat, light, or electric fields. You will design, fabricate, and characterize dynamic surfaces that form tactile features such as corrugations, Braille-like patterns, responsive fibres, suction-inspired structures, and switchable soft-hard interfaces.
The scientific challenge is to translate molecular-level changes in liquid crystal order into macroscopic surface responses that can be perceived by human touch. You will work at the interface of materials science, polymer engineering, soft matter physics, and device-oriented prototyping.
Job Description
You will:
- fabricate and optimize liquid crystal polymer coatings with programmable molecular alignment;
- develop responsive surface topographies, fibres, suction structures, and modulus-changing coatings;
- investigate actuation by light, heat, and electric fields;
- quantify surface deformation, switching speed, stiffness, friction, adhesion, and mechanical durability;
- collaborate with team members working on molecular synthesis, chemical haptics, electronics, and perception studies;
- contribute to demonstrator devices for tactile displays and wearable haptic interfaces;
- publish your results in high-quality scientific journals and present them at international conferences.
Job Requirements
- A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in the areas below.
- We are looking for a candidate with a background in one or more of the following fields:
- materials science;
- mechanical engineering;
- chemical engineering;
- polymer science;
- soft matter physics;
- applied physics;
- microfabrication or surface engineering.
- Experience with liquid crystals, polymers, responsive materials, microscopy, mechanical testing, 3D printing, lithography, or soft actuators is an advantage. We especially welcome candidates who enjoy hands-on experimental work and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- A research-oriented attitude.
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
- Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
- Fluent in spoken and written English.
Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:
- Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
- Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881 gross per month).
- A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
- High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
- An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
- Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
- An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
- A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.
On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!
About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.
Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules, materials, and processes, we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy, circularity, health and future technology. Through world-class research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry partnerships, we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together, we create chemistry for a better world.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Danqing Liu, [email protected].
Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Eveline de Vetter, HR Advisor, [email protected].
Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:
- Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.
We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.
Please note
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Salary: Scale P
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE
City: Eindhoven
County: Noord-Brabant
Country: Netherlands
Reference number: 2026/387
Published: 2026-07-01
Last application date: 2026-08-01
