PhD Position in Micro-Robotics

Key takeaways

• Hours 38 hr.
• Salary indication Salary gross/monthly

based on full-time € 3,204 - € 4,051

• Deadline 30 Sep 2026

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.

Your profile

You hold a Master’s degree in applied physics, nanotechnology, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline.

You have a strong background in micro-scale systems or robotics and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Optical sensing, photonics, or light-based micro-scale actuation
• Micro- and nano-fabrication (e.g., lithography, thin-film processing, MEMS, micro-assembly)
• Modeling and control of micro-robotic or compliant robotic systems
• Integration of miniaturized sensing and actuation systems for biomedical or robotic applications

Experience combining optical technologies with micro-fabrication or robotics is an advantage.

Our offer

• A full-time 4-year PhD position;
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating international research environment with excellent facilities;
• A professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente;
• A starting salary of € 3204,- in the first year and a salary of € 4051,- in the fourth year gross per month;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A solid pension scheme;
• A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment.
• The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.

Information and application

You can apply for this position until 1 October 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.