PhD Position on Origami-inspired Shape Memory Microrobots

This research aims to develop origami-inspired microrobots using shape memory alloys (SMA) for advanced biomedical applications, such as minimally invasive surgery, targeted drug delivery, and in-situ diagnostics. Drawing inspiration from the principles of origami and the SMA microactuation effect, these microrobots are composed of interconnected, programmable microscale tiles capable of dynamically folding into complex three-dimensional shapes. This capability enables the creation of highly adaptive systems that respond to changing environmental conditions and perform precise tasks at the microscale with high precision and efficiency. The project focuses on pioneering methodologies for the design, fabrication, and control of these microrobots.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and talented PhD candidate (f/m/d) to contribute to this groundbreaking project at the intersection of robotics, biomedical engineering, and materials science. The successful candidate will work on designing programmable microrobot systems with reconfigurable 3D shapes, leveraging advanced materials and clean room microfabrication techniques. These microrobots will provide reversible and precise folding and unfolding mechanisms, opening the door to transformative applications in minimally invasive surgery, targeted drug delivery, and diagnostics.

Organizational unit

Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)

Job description

You will have the following tasks:

• Modelling, design and simulation of shape memory alloy (SMA) microrobots
• Design and simulation of a suitable SMA microrobots layout
• Rapid prototyping (clean room technology, e.g., optical lithography, 3D printing, laser technology)
• Development, characterization and control of demonstrator variants
• Investigation of the scaling of size and performance
• Addressing miniaturization and scalability to enable real-world applications in medicine

The IMT is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a 600 m² clean room, advanced rapid prototyping capabilities like lithography, 3D printing and laser cutting, packaging and interconnection technology labs, as well as various metrology laboratories. The position is within the ZEco Thermal Lab of Dr. Jingyuan Xu, and will have a close collaboration of the Research Group ‘Smart Materials and Devices’ of Prof. Manfred Kohl, and the DFG SPP project “Cooperative Multistage Multistable Microactuator Systems (KOMMMA)”.

The activity offers the opportunity for a part-time doctorate.

Starting date

as soon as possible

Personal qualification

• MSc in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, robotics, physics, or a related field
• Knowledge in the fields of robotics, origami-inspired systems, and microfabrication technologies
• Experience in clean room processes, microscale design, or biomedical devices is advantageous
• Experience in CAD, lumped element modelling and/or FEM simulation and/or MATLAB programming, thermal characterization, mechanical testing is desirable
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

Salary

Salary category 13, depending on the fulfillment of professional and personal requirements.

Contract duration

3 years

Application up to

31.10.2025

Contact person in line-management

For further information please contact Dr. Jingyuan Xu, email: jingyuan.xu@kit.edu

Please apply online using the button below for this vacancy number 395/2025.

Vacancy number: 395/2025

We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job. Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.

Contact: Personnel Support is provided by: Personalservice (PSE) - Human Resources Ms Gätcke Phone: +49 721 608-25010, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany