Research Fellow (Fluidic Programming)
Job Description
This position focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of fluidic logic architectures for next-generation soft robotic systems. The work forms part of a research programme advancing electronics-free and hybrid soft robotic intelligence through fluidic computation, enabling soft robots to perform programmable control, memory storage, communication, decision-making, and autonomous behaviours without relying on conventional electronic hardware. The successful candidate will contribute to the full lifecycle of fluidic system development, from conceptual design and modelling to fabrication, experimental validation, and deployment in novel soft robotic applications.
The successful candidate will be required to:
- Design and fabricate soft robotic systems integrating fluidic logic with soft actuators, sensors, and multifunctional fluidic components
- Develop novel fluidic computation frameworks for programmable behaviours, sequential control, distributed intelligence, and autonomous decision-making
- Investigate fluidic communication strategies for information transmission, coordination, and control between multiple soft robotic modules or robotic swarms
- Design fluidic memory and state-retention mechanisms for adaptive, responsive, and autonomous soft robotic systems
- Conduct laboratory testing and experimental validation of fluidic logic systems, including pressure characterization, dynamic response, switching performance, robustness, and long-term reliability
- Analyse experimental results and optimize fluidic circuit architectures through iterative design, simulation, and experimental evaluation
- Explore novel applications of fluidic logic in wearable robotics, medical devices, rehabilitation systems, autonomous soft robots, bio-inspired robots, industrial automation, and programmable intelligent materials
Qualifications
- Possess at least a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong foundation in fluid mechanics, soft robotics, mechanical system design, and experimental research.
- Experience in the design, modelling, or fabrication of microfluidic, pneumatic, hydraulic, or soft robotic systems.
- Experience with CAD software and rapid prototyping techniques including 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, or soft lithography.
- Hands-on experience in laboratory prototyping, instrumentation, pressure control systems, and experimental characterisation is preferred.
- Prior experience in soft robotics, fluidic logic, microfluidics, flexible materials, or unconventional computing is highly desirable.
- Ability to conduct independent experimental research and publish high-quality scientific work.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Open to fixed-term contract.
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