TU/e - Mimir

PhD in Device Integration and Sensing for Liquid Crystal Polymer Haptic Interfaces

Introduction
We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to integrate responsive liquid crystal polymer coatings into functional haptic devices. This position is part of the Vici project “Beyond sight and sound: liquid crystal polymer-based tactile interfaces for the digital age.” The project aims to develop interactive surfaces that communicate through touch, enabling future applications in tactile displays, wearable navigation systems, prosthetics, remote communication, and immersive virtual or augmented reality.

In this PhD project, you will focus on device integration, localized actuation, and sensing. You will work with liquid crystal polymer haptic coatings that can change surface topography, stiffness, adhesion, or tactile output when triggered by electrical or optical signals. Your role will be to integrate these coatings with driving electronics and sensing schemes to create functional demonstrators, including a tactile display and wearable haptic devices.

A key scientific and engineering challenge is to create localized, addressable haptic feedback at a resolution relevant to human touch. You will investigate driving schemes based on patterned electrodes, Joule heating, capacitive coupling, thin-film transistor backplanes, and micro-LED actuation. You will also explore how the dielectric anisotropy of liquid crystal polymers can be used for sensing touch, deformation, or force.

Job Description
You will:

develop electrical and optical driving schemes for responsive haptic coatings;
design and test patterned electrode systems, matrix addressing, and local actuation strategies;
integrate liquid crystal polymer coatings into tactile display and wearable demonstrators;
investigate capacitive or dielectric sensing functions in haptic coatings;
evaluate device performance, including response speed, spatial resolution, voltage requirements, power consumption, and durability;
collaborate with PhD candidates working on mechanical and chemical haptics;
work with postdoctoral researchers, engineers, psychologists, and external stakeholders;
publish results in scientific journals and present your work at 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;
- electrical engineering;
- mechanical engineering;
- applied physics;
- chemical engineering;
- microsystems technology;
- soft robotics;
- sensor or actuator systems.
Experience with electronics, printed circuit boards, microcontrollers, capacitive sensing, flexible electronics, optical actuation, liquid crystals, polymers, or device prototyping is highly welcome. The ideal candidate enjoys combining hands-on device fabrication with materials characterization and interdisciplinary teamwork.
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 (C1 level).

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, danqing.liu@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Eveline de Vetter, HR Advisor, HRadvice.Chemistry@tue.nl.

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.

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PhD in Chemical and Neurogenic Haptics Using Responsive Polymer Coatings

Introduction
We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to develop chemical and neurogenic haptic interfaces based on responsive liquid crystal polymer coatings. This 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 tactile technologies that go beyond conventional vibrations by generating programmable sensations such as texture, softness, adhesion, warmth, coolness, and chemical cues.

In this PhD project, you will focus on the controlled release and reabsorption of active compounds from porous liquid crystal polymer coatings. These coatings will act as dynamic reservoirs that can release molecules on demand when triggered by light, heat, or electric fields. Target sensations include cooling, warming, burning, fragrance, and other chemosensory effects relevant to human-machine interaction.

The project will explore compounds such as menthol, capsaicin, methyl salicylate, and volatile molecules, while developing material strategies to prevent premature release and enable repeatable, localized, and safe stimulation. In the later stage of the PhD, you will combine chemical haptics with mechanical haptic functions such as topography changes, fibres, or suction-inspired structures.

Job Description
You will:

develop porous and nanostructured liquid crystal polymer coatings for controlled molecular release;
load coatings with neurogenic, thermosensory, or olfactory trigger molecules;
study light-, heat-, and electrically triggered release and reabsorption mechanisms;
quantify release kinetics, repeatability, localization, and material stability;
develop strategies to prevent premature chemical leakage;
combine chemical haptics with mechanical haptic structures;
collaborate with researchers working on molecular synthesis, mechanical haptics, device integration, and perception studies;
contribute to publications, conference presentations, and demonstrator devices.

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 areas:
- chemical engineering;
- materials science;
- polymer chemistry;
- physical chemistry;
- soft matter;
- biomedical materials;
- controlled release systems;
- surface or coating technology.
Experience with polymer networks, porous materials, responsive coatings, liquid crystals, drug delivery, analytical chemistry, or spectroscopy is an advantage. The ideal candidate is experimentally skilled, creative, safety-conscious, and interested in developing materials that interact directly with human perception.
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.