Postdoc Position in Soft Robotics to study the Shape-Morphing Armored Skin of Pufferfish

The Center for Soft Robotics at SDU Biorobotics, University of Southern Denmark, is currently accepting applications for a fully-funded 3-year Postdoctoral position in the field of Soft Robotics. The position is scheduled to commence on November 1, 2023, or shortly thereafter. The designated workplace will be the SDU campus located in Odense.

Encoding motion in an interface: the shape-morphing armored skin of pufferfish

Pufferfish defend themselves through dramatic shape changes, inflating their bodies and unfurling their armored skin, transforming from a streamlined torpedo to a prickly sphere. In this reversible transformation, highly mineralized rigid spines anchored within the soft skin move apart and rotate outward, subjecting the skin-spine interface to an extreme strain mismatch. The interfacing of hard and soft tissues is common in biology, but maintaining system integrity under lifelong structural distortion is unusual. How do puffers assemble this unlikely combination of extensible and rigid materials into a repeatedly stretched interface—without tearing themselves apart? What mechanisms drive and guide such drastic shape-morphing? How do the properties of soft skin and hard spine reciprocally shape dynamic movements?

In this project, we aim to answer these questions by combining micromechanics, musculoskeletal biology, and soft robotics and 3D printing, with a collaborative team of researchers from SDU Soft Robotics, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, and Liverpool University. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity for short research visits to our collaborators' laboratories in Germany and the UK. The project is funded by the Human Frontier Science Program through an Early Career Research Grant.

Research Environment

The University of Southern Denmark in Odense is a rich environment for research and innovation within robotics and automation. SDU Biorobotics spans a broad range of expertise and research interests, including soft robotics, robot swarms, artificial intelligence, bio-inspired control, embedded electronics, and mechatronics.

The Center for Soft Robotics stands as a dynamic research team within SDU Biorobotics. Our focus revolves around the creation of cutting-edge, bioinspired soft robots that seamlessly incorporate compliance into their intelligence. In our research, we aim for holistic systems-level integration when conceptualizing and constructing these soft robots. Through the application of pioneering soft materials and structures, we craft AI-infused matter that empowers our robots with embedded sensing and interactive capabilities. Leveraging biologically-inspired control and learning techniques, we equip these soft machines to communicate effectively with humans, employing means such as aesthetic expressions. Additionally, our innovations enable them to deftly navigate intricate terrains with a high degree of adaptability.

The Center for Soft Robotics thrives as a dynamic and collaborative hub, enriched by a diverse and multicultural team from various nationalities. Our collaborative spirit extends not only within our team but also to our interactions with fellow researchers and industrial partners. Together, we diligently channel our research outcomes into tangible and impactful applications.

About the Candidate

We are looking for a highly motivated, competent, and enthusiastic researcher with:

• A recent PhD in mechanical engineering, or a related field,
• Proficient in finite element simulations
• Experience with 3D printing
• Drive to design, fabricate, and program soft robots,
• Excellent programming skills
• High-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals (include max 3 publications in your application)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

The successful candidate is expected to participate in the teaching activities of the Center for Soft Robotics and SDU Biorobotics, and supervision of junior students.

Contact Information: Further information about this position is available via email from Prof. Ahmad Rafsanjani ([email protected]).

If you experience technical problems you must contact [email protected].

Conditions of employment
Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level. Employment as a postdoc is temporary and will cease without further notice at the end of the period.

Research will be predominant in the position. Teaching assignments can be agreed individually. Furthermore, other types of assignments may occur to a limited degree. The Faculty determines the distribution of the various assignments. The weighting of the different assignments may vary over time. The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check link for more information on salary and taxation.

The assessment process
Read about the Assessment and selection process. Shortlisting may be used.

Application procedure

The faculty expects applicants to read How to apply before applying.

The application must be in English and must include:

Motivated application Detailed Curriculum Vitae Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and PhD) List of publications indicating the publications attached Examples of the most relevant publications. Please attach one pdf-file for each publication Reference letters and other relevant qualifications may also be included.

The application deadline is 01.10.2023.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

ODENSE:

As the 3rd largest city in Denmark, Odense provides the perfect combination of a historic city center with an urban field yet a close proximity to beaches and recreational areas. Its location on the beautiful island of Funen is ideal with easy access by train or highway to the bigger cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen; direct trains can take you straight to Copenhagen airport in less than 2 hours. Since 1966 the city has been a university town, and strong collaborative ties are in place between the University of Southern Denmark and the many Danish and International corporations in the region. As the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s famous fairytale author, the city is home to a vibrant and creative population that hosts numerous festivals and markets throughout the year.