Magnetic untethered microrobots swarms for vortex-enabled biopsy - PhD Position (f/m/x)

BioRobotics Institute of the Scuola Superiore Di Studi Universitari E Di Perfezionamento SantAnnaOrganisation/Company BioRobotics Institute of the Scuola Superiore Di Studi Universitari E Di Perfezionamento SantAnna Research Field Engineering Technology Medical sciences Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD 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? NoOffer DescriptionThis project takes place within the Marie Curie Doctoral Network on Soft Active Matter Microrobots for Medicine (SAM3). This doctoral network of 12 PhD candidates aims at exploring the ear-nose-throat area from a microrobotics perspective. Thanks to active matter and small scale microrobotics engineering, 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 on magnetic untethered microrobots swarms for vortex-enabled biopsy is part of the third endoscopic area namely the cerebrospinal fluid system. The goal of the PhD is the generation of tuneable fluid vortices by the magnetic actuation of swarms based on untethered microrobots to pick or release cargos: the technology could enable both biopsy (of mucus and highly viscous biological fluids) and drug release mediated by untethered microrobots in liquid yet hard-to-reach environments.The expected results are further set as follows:1) Swarms of untethered microrobots based on magnetic matter. 2) Actuation strategies for generating fluidic vortices by swarms of untethered magnetic microrobots in open and confined environments. 3) Cargo release and pickup with controllable fluidic vortices. 4) Control of swarms of magnetic untethered microrobots by fluorescence imaging.We are seeking talented and enthusiastic students to perform a PhD, with a solid background in biomedical, mechanical or control engineering, or physics.He/she will be registered within Doctoral School of Scuola Superiore Di Studi Universitari E Di Perfezionamento SantAnna with Prof.V. IACOVACCI as supervisor and Prof. S. PALAGI as co-supervisor.The candidate should have good command of spoken and written English, and Italian, French or Dutch skills are of course an asset.Candidates are invited to look at other positions and can apply to several positions.Where to applyE-mail [email protected] Field Engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalentSkills/QualificationsBackground in biomedical, mechanical or control engineering, or physicsAbility for research management, dissemination, communication with colleagues and supervisors, strong teamwork spirit, creativity, problem solving and attention to safety.Specific RequirementsNot 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 this period.less than 5 years of career at the recruitment date and not having a doctoral degree;Research experience in the academic or in the industrial sector will be consideredLanguages FRENCH Level BasicLanguages ENGLISH Level ExcellentLanguages ITALIAN Level GoodLanguages DUTCH Level BasicResearch Field EngineeringChemistry Years of Research Experience 1 - 4Additional InformationThe 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 criteriaGeneral eligibility criteria of MSCA; Specific: see aboveWe will appoint 1 PhD student on this project, related to 11 other positions open in the SAM3 EU network.Twelves job vacancies are opened for this doctoral network, across three main scientific fields.Candidates are invited to look at other positions; they can apply to several positions.Selection processDuring the job posting, the candidates will have the opportunity to apply online on one or several individual projects, the applications must be filed on-line along with the following supporting documents: a) a digital copy with all academic certificates and the respective official transcription in English; b) a detailed CV and a motivation letter in English; c) 2 letters of recommendation.Additional commentsSAM3 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. In this regard, 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.Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute BioRobotics Institute of the Scuola Superiore Di Studi Universitari E Di Perfezionamento SantAnna Country Italy City Pise Geofield #J-18808-Ljbffr