PhD in Light-Responsive Materials for Tethered Microrobotics

Organisation/Company Department / address Laboratorio Europeo Di Spettroscopie Non Lineari Research Field Chemistry Engineering Technology 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? No

Offer Description This 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 onlight responsive materials for tethered robotic function is part of the second endoscopic area namely the olfactory clefts. The goal of the PhD isto develop 3D-printable light responsive materials based on Liquid Crystalline Networks (LCNs) suitable for tethered robotic function.Combining selective functionalization with photo-switches and structuring with photolithographic techniques, the LCNs will be exploited to demonstrate different actuation functions (including grasping, taking or releasing micro-objects or liquids) at the microscale.

We are seeking talented and enthusiastic students to perform a PhD, with a solid background inpolymer chemistry and technology or 3D printing of smart materials. He/she will be registered within International Doctoral School coordinated by Laboratorio Europeo Di Spettroscopie Non Lineari at UNIFI with Prof. C. PARMEGGIANI as supervisor and Dr Sara NOCENTINI as co-supervisor.

The candidate should have good command of spoken and written English, and Italian or French skills are of course an asset.

Requirements Research Field Chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Technology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Background in polymer chemistry and technology 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 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 considered

Languages FRENCH Level Basic

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages ITALIAN Level Good

Research Field ChemistryEngineering 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.

Twelves job vacancies are opened for this doctoral network, across three main scientific fields.

Additional comments 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. 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.

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