Introduction
Are you excited about contributing to the next generation of humanoid robots that can move, manipulate and interact with the world in a more human-like manner? One of the key open challenges in humanoid robotics is understanding how actuator design and topology influence overall robot performance. If this sounds fascinating, then this PhD position is made for you!
Job Description
We invite highly motivated students with a strong background in the modelling and design of dynamical systems and a keen interest in humanoid robotics to apply for this PhD position within the Robotics section at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology.
In biological systems, high actuator redundancy and intrinsic compliance are essential for achieving human-like interaction with their environment. Translating these principles to humanoid robots remains a major scientific and engineering challenge. The aim of this PhD project is to explore novel compliant and muscle-inspired actuation concepts, as well as actuator arrangements that enable more human-like behaviour and enhanced manipulation capabilities.
To support this investigation, you will develop an advanced simulation framework that captures the coupled interaction between robot mechanics, actuator dynamics, and state-of-the-art whole-body control. These tools will enable systematic exploration and optimization of humanoid actuator architectures, bridging the gap between actuator design and whole-body robot performance.
Topics that you will delve into include:
• Compliant actuator design and analysis
- Kinematic and dynamic modelling and simulation of humanoid robots
- Biomimetic and bio-inspired robot design
- Co-simulation of robot mechanics, actuation, sensing and control
- Performance evaluation and optimization of complex robotic systems
This PhD position is embedded within the Robotics section at Eindhoven University of Technology, offering a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. You will have the opportunity to work with researchers across mechanical engineering, control, and artificial intelligence, and contribute to cutting-edge humanoid robotic platforms. In this role, you will contribute to the ambition of the Beethoven program to educate top talent and strengthen research across the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
This PhD position is jointly supervised by Frederik Ostyn and René van de Molengraft.
Job Requirements
A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in robotics, mechatronics or (electro)mechanical engineering. Strong background in mechanical design and modelling of dynamic systems. Experience and/or a keen interest in the field of robotics. Knowledge of at least one CAD software (Solidworks, Fusion 360, ...) and at least one programming language (C++, Python, Matlab, ...) is expected. Experience with robot modeling and simulation (e.g. Mujoco, Isaac Sim, HYFYDY), real-time software deployment (Linux, EtherCAT, Beckhoff TwinCAT3), and prototyping/test setup design is highly valued. Eager to work within a team and independently. Ability to collaborate with industry and academic researchers. Fluent in spoken and written English.
Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:
- Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
- Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
- A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
- High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
- An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
- Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
- An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
- A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.
On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!
About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.
Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact
at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands.
Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact [email protected].
Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page. The application should include the following documents as a single PDF file:
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
- An explanation of your interest in the proposed research topic.
- Copies of diplomas and academic transcripts with grades from prior university studies.
- Brief description of your MSc thesis and/or relevant research projects.
Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.
We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.
Please note
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Salary: Scale P
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE
City: Eindhoven
County: Noord-Brabant
Country: Netherlands
Reference number: 2026/332
Published: 2026-06-11
Last application date: 2026-07-11
