PhD Candidate in Soft Materials and Wearable Technologies

Job summary

This position seeks a motivated PhD candidate to develop multifunctional, liquid metal-enabled silicone fibers for assistive wearable technologies. The role involves experimental work in material formulation, fiber fabrication, and electromechanical characterization within an international research collaboration.

Qualifications

• Background in polymer science, materials science, chemistry, engineering, or a related field.
• Experimental experience with soft materials, liquid metals, elastomers, or composites.
• Curiosity for research and a desire to understand mechanisms in depth.
• Interest in soft robotics, wearables, sensors, actuators, or energy harvesting.
• Previous hands-on laboratory experience with polymer material characterization.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Willingness to participate in an external research stay in the USA, subject to travel and visa requirements.
• Strong communication skills and a positive, open-minded attitude.

Responsibilities

• Review and stay updated on the state-of-the-art in multifunctional fibers.
• Develop stable silicone–liquid metal composite formulations.
• Fabricate core-shell silicone fibers using extrusion or 3D printing techniques.
• Characterize mechanical, electrical, and rheological properties of fibers.
• Explore the sensing, actuation, and energy-harvesting capabilities of the fibers.
• Investigate the integration of multifunctional fibers into assistive wearable textiles.
• Collaborate with NC State University on liquid metal processing and disseminate findings through publications and conferences.

Education

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent academic level is required.

Tools

• Experience with 3D printing and fiber fabrication techniques is beneficial.