PhD Position in Medical Robotics
The Surgical Robotics Laboratory in the Department of Biomechanical Engineering (Faculty of Engineering Technology) at the University of Twente, The Netherlands has several openings for doctoral (PhD) candidates within the research area of soft continuum robotics and micro-/nano-robotics for medical applications.
Minimally invasive interventions increasingly require tools capable of sensing, actuation, and manipulation at sub-millimetre scales. Micro-robotic systems enable highly miniaturized devices that can operate in confined anatomical environments and interact with biological tissue with high spatial precision.
This PhD project focuses on the development of surgical micro-robotic devices, with emphasis on micro- and nano-fabrication and optical technologies for sensing, actuation, and control. The research includes the design, fabrication, and experimental validation of micro-scale robotic platforms, integration of optical and imaging-based feedback, and development of modeling and control strategies for operation in complex biological environments. Particular attention will be given to scalable fabrication and integration of photonic sensing or actuation.
The project is conducted within the Surgical Robotics Laboratory and the Department of Biomechanical Engineering at the University of Twente, in close collaboration with the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and clinical and international partners.
Information and application
You can apply for this position until 31 May 2026 by clicking the ‘apply now’ button below.
Please include:
- CV (including contact information for at least two academic references)
- Title and abstract of your Master’s project/thesis.
For more information on this position, please contact Prof. Sarthak Misra, s.misra@utwente.nl.
- Interviews will take place approximately 4 weeks after your application.
- Screening is part of the procedure.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.
We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.
In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.
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