Postdoctoral Researcher Position (m/f/d) | Robotic Composites

Dr. Buse Aktaş is looking for a postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) to join her new Robotic Composites and Compositions Max Planck Research Group (RoCoCo) at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart starting from 2025.

Our new lab works at the intersection of mechanics, robotics, materials, and design, benefiting from and contributing to sub-fields such as soft and underactuated robots, architected materials, modular robotics, granular matter, swarm robotics, and circular engineering. We focus on the design, fabrication, modeling, and testing of active composite metamaterials which can function not only as structural components but also as actuators and sensors. We develop experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to address key challenges in minimally invasive medical procedures, sustainable manufacturing, and human-material interaction.

Specific research directions include:

• Remote-controlled magnetic assemblies (um and mm scale) for surgical procedures, which can self-assemble in situ, perform precise delicate procedures as an assembly, and then disassemble for easy removal
• Life-cycle design of robotic aggregates to enable circular sustainability, with the aim of replacing existing irreversible traditional fabrication techniques (e.g. melting) with reversible structural phenomenon (e.g. jamming)
• Metamaterial fabrication and design inspired by traditional craft techniques such as broom-making, basketry, and lacemaking
• Human studies involving physical interaction with active matter, focusing on dynamic changes in object properties such as stiffness or plasticity

The details of the research and its specific milestones will be determined jointly with the candidate and will depend on the expertise and interests of the candidate.

Education and experience

• Doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, mechatronics, robotics, or a related field
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
• Experience in preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings
• Experience with building custom mechatronic experimental setups and/or one or more forms of prototyping (e.g. mold-making and casting, microfabrication, knitting/sewing, lithography, metalworking, woodworking) is an advantage
• Experience with programming for simulation or modeling (e.g., MATLAB, Python, finite element analysis software, rigid-body dynamics simulations) is an advantage
• Prior work and research experience in stimuli-responsive materials, mechanical design, advanced manufacturing, biomedical robots OR sustainability assessment is a plus, but not required
• Interest in mentoring and co-mentoring visiting students, summer interns, and/or master’s students
• Interest in applying for postdoctoral fellowships is a plus, but not required.
• Interest in helping establish a new lab, not only by shaping its research focus, designing the lab space, and selecting new equipment, but also by contributing to the development of its organizational structure and culture

Our offer

• An international, multidisciplinary, and highly motivating working environment
• Extensive mentoring, supervision, and career-planning support
• Access to state-of-the-art lab facilities, including advanced fabrication and testing equipment
• Collaborations with world-leading research groups at MPI-IS and beyond
• Networking opportunities through conferences, seminars, and research visits
• Salaries according to the Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund)
• Financial contribution to the job ticket (ÖPNV)

The preferred start date is February 1, 2025. The position is fully funded for a maximum of 4 years.

Application

Applications should include a curriculum vitae (in English, with a complete list of publications), a cover letter, a transcript from your current or most recent academic program and contact information for 2-3 references. In the cover letter (written in English, no longer than two pages), please describe the research direction(s) from the list above that interest you, how your previous research experiences have prepared you for this role, and how you hope this position will support your career development and prepare you for your next steps.

Please upload your application to our application system.

The application deadline is December 15, 2024. The positions will be open until filled.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Buse Aktaş at buse.aktas@is.mpg.de.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women and non-binary individuals in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages them to apply.