Magnetic responsive materials for untethered robotic function - PhD Position (f/m/x)

Organisation/Company Laboratorio Europeo Di Spettroscopie Non Lineari (lens.unifi.it) Research Field Chemistry Engineering Technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 31 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38 Offer Starting Date 15 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number EU HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01-01 # 101312674 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description This project takes place within the Marie Curie Doctoral Network on Soft Active Matter Microrobots for Medicine (SAM3). The doctoral network of 12 PhD candidates aims at exploring the ear‑nose‑throat area from a microrobotics perspective. Three specific goals are targeted: (1) access the middle ear through the Eustachian tube; (2) access the olfactory clefts for mucosal biopsy; (3) access the skull cavity through the nose and the cribble plate for cerebrospinal fluid biopsy. This specific PhD proposal focuses on magnetic responsive materials for untethered robotic function as part of the third endoscopic area, namely the cerebrospinal fluid system. The goal is to develop 3D‑printable magnetic responsive materials based on thermally responsive shape‑changing Liquid Crystalline Networks (LCNs) doped with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), enabling untethered robotic operation. Combining 3D patterning by photolithographic techniques with different nanoparticle responsive behaviors to alternate or static magnetic fields, micrometric actuators capable of both navigation and gripping will be realized. The selected PhD student will be registered within the International Doctoral School coordinated by Laboratorio Europeo Di Spettroscopie Non Lineari at UNIFI with Dr. Daniele MARTELLA as supervisor and Prof. Camilla PARMEGGIANI as co‑supervisor. The candidate should have a solid background in polymer chemistry and technology, magnetic nanoparticle synthesis, or 3D printing of smart materials. Good command of spoken and written English is required; Italian, German or Dutch skills are an asset. Requirements Research Field Chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Skills/Qualifications

Background in polymer chemistry and technology or magnetic nanoparticle synthesis or 3D printing of smart materials Ability for research management, dissemination, communication with colleagues and supervisors, strong teamwork spirit, creativity, problem solving and attention to safety.

Specific Requirements

Not having resided in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date and not having carried out main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy during this period. Less than 5 years of career at the recruitment date and not having a doctoral degree. Research experience in the academic or industrial sector will be considered.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent Languages ITALIAN Level Good Languages DUTCH Level Good Languages GERMAN Level Basic Research Field Engineering Chemistry Years of Research Experience 1 - 4 Additional Information The candidate will be employed as an Early Stage Researcher according to MSCA DN regulations, which offer excellent employment conditions including a high base salary and many additional benefits such as allowances for travel, mobility and family. The family allowance is allocated if demonstrated at the time of the recruitment. Eligibility criteria General eligibility criteria of MSCA; Specific: see above We will appoint 1 PhD student on this project, related to 11 other positions open in the SAM3 EU network. Twelve job vacancies are opened for this doctoral network, across three main scientific fields. SAM3 consortium is committed to fostering excellence in research and research training and to guaranteeing equal opportunities for all candidates during the recruitment. In this respect, this recruitment call is fully aligned with the EC Code of Conduct. All partners pledge to uphold the principles outlined in the European Code of Research Integrity during the recruitment. The SAM3 consortium supports the principle that excellence and diversity are compatible and complementary and recognizes that good equity practices ensure access to the largest possible pool of qualified individuals. The SAM3 consortium will particularly encourage women, members of visible and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr