项目介绍

2026年4月11日

The Soft Robotics research group from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven focuses on exploring the intersection of soft robotics, mechanical instabilities and (micro)fabrication. The greater goal is to create intelligent systems that by harnessing the unique characteristics of soft materials and creating functionality by means of mechanical design. We focus both on the theoretical design of such system, their numerical optimization, and the experimental validation on prototypes that range from the centimeter to the millimeter scale.

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Project

At small scales, fluids behave very differently than what we are used to in our daily lives. For instance, fluttering with the feet, like swimmers do, will not propel a millimetre sized person forward. Nature has found an innovative solution to this small scale fluid propulsion problem, in the form of carpets of cilia. These hairlike structures can be found on the surface of cells, where they display a fascinating pattern of deformations: a single cilium changes its movements between forward and backward direction, and a global wavelike motion can be seen across the surface of multiple cilia. These collective dynamics are essential in nature for transporting fluids, particles, and even cells. Despite decades of research, scientists are still uncovering how such rich and highly synchronized motion emerges.This PhD project aims to mimic the complex movements of cilia array, using soft robotic technology. While artificial cilia have already been demonstrated in laboratories, they almost always rely on bulky external equipment for actuation and control, which has so far limited their practical use. In this project, we will develop a new generation of compact, self-contained artificial cilia systems that fit in the palm of your hand and can be operated via only one pressure supply tube. 

Profiel

The ideal candidate fulfils the following requirements:

• Master degree in (mechanical) engineering, physics, materials science or equivalent with at least distinction.
• Strong background in solid mechanics, fluid dynamics, and micromanufacturing.
• Familiar with Matlab/Python, CAD software, FEM analysis, and experimental validation.
• Proficiency in English (written and oral).
• The candidate must be creative, have good problem solving skills, should be ambitious but should above all be a team player!
• The candidate must be able to work independently, pay attention to experimental accuracy and precision with new concepts in a critical way.
• The candidate must have good communication skills to report results (written and oral).
• The candidate must be willing to write a PhD fellowship proposal for national funding.

We are looking for enthusiastic PhD candidates who shows a proactive attitude towards research in developing original concepts of actuators.

Aanbod

• A doctoral scholarship of four years and, if successful, a PhD in Engineering Science.
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.
• Benefits such as health insurance, access to university sports facilities, etc.
• The opportunity to be active in an exciting and international research environment, engage in research collaborations and participate at international conferences.
• An excellent doctoral training at the Arenberg Doctoral School in an international environment at a top European university. This will allow you to gain the skills required to successfully complete your PhD, as well as develop yourself as an independent researcher. Moreover, opportunities are provided to acquire deeper knowledge in subjects related to the topic by participating in trainings, summer schools, or lecture series in- and outside of KU Leuven.
• Starting date: September 2026 (but somewhat flexible for the ideal candidate).

Interesse?

For more information please contact prof. dr. ir. Benjamin Gorissen through e-mail: benjamin.gorissen@kuleuven.be. Solliciteren voor deze vacature kan tot en met 02/05/2026 via onze online sollicitatietoepassing

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Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be