Postdoctoral fellow position for perception study on morphing surfaces

Vacancy is available for post-doctoral research fellow in the field of haptic perception and statistics at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), The Netherlands.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Research background

We have developed 'active' surfaces, in which coating surfaces are able to mechanically or chemically change their surface properties. Typically, we dynamically control surface topographies in the (sub) micrometer range where surfaces transfer from a flat state to the pre-designed corrugated stated under external stimuli, such as light, electric field and temperature. Also, we develop coatings that are capable to repeatedly emit (and can uptake again) various fluids. With these coatings macroscopic effects have been demonstrated in practical applications. Examples are switchable tribology by which friction is modulated dynamically for robotic handling (pickup and release objects) and surface material transport in which a dust mitigation method, without the aid of water, is developed and demonstrated.

Project description

One important potential application of these coatings is tactile feedback. The existing haptic systems mainly convey visual and audio signals while touch sensation is poorly developed. Surfaces that could deliver touch feedback allow interaction between human machine and enhance human touch experience. Current touchscreen technologies convey feedback, mostly in the form of vibration. Although it acknowledges users' input, it is global rather than local. The advantages of the dynamic coatings are that they localize haptic feedback in various perception forms, such as friction changes, modulus changes and surfaces that switch between 'dry' and 'wet'.

More information can be found at www.danqingliu.nl.

REQUIREMENTS
We are looking for talented, motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral students who meet the following requirements:

• Experience in human perception study and statistics
• Capable of designing and conducting the perception study independently.
• Prior knowledge in soft matter/ responsive materials is appreciated.
• Ability to independently work within a dynamic team and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Fluent in spoken and written English

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• A challenging job in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious university. You will work with innovative analytic equipment and you will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where the expertises of a variety of disciplines come together.
• The TU/e is located in what is described as one of the smartest regions of the world and is part of the European technology hotspot 'Brainport Eindhoven'; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!
• A one-year contract with the possibility to extend with one or two years.
• You will have free access to high-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact dr. Danqing Liu, email: d.liu1[at]tue.nl

For information about terms of employment, please contact
Ms. P.J. van de Weijer, HR-advisor, p.j.v.d.weijer[at]tue.nl

Please visit www.tue.nl/jobs to find out more about working at TU/e!

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page.
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.
• List of five self-selected 'best publications'.

The selection of applicants and the job interviews will start immediately until we find a suitable candidate.

For this vacancy we will recruit simultaneously both internal as external. In the case of equal suitability internal candidates take priority over external candidates.

Acquisition as a result of this advertisement is not appreciated.