PhD in smart robotics for textile circularity (1.0 FTE) (V25.0404)

Project and job description
This PhD position is dedicated to advancing autonomous robotic manipulation and control within a textile-sorting cell, where garments arrive on a flat-belt conveyor and are dynamically grasped, unfolded, and oriented by multi-axis manipulators fitted with custom force-feedback grippers, and will work in close concert with a parallel sensing specialist collaborator to guarantee adequate integration of perception and action; advanced motion-planning and control algorithms, continuously refined via robotic digital twins, enable reliable handling of diverse, deformable textiles at cycle times below one second, while hyperspectral, NIR, Raman, and RGB sensors feed an edge-compute AI pipeline for real-time decision making that routes each item into recycle, reuse, or manual-review streams. Iterative hardware-in-the-loop trials will drive rapid prototyping of gripper architectures and autonomy frameworks, thereby establishing a scalable blueprint for robotics-driven circular-economy production systems. It is expected that results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations while collaborating closely with our in-house prototyping team.

Organisation
The University of Groningen, founded in 1614, is renowned globally for its exceptional education and research. With around 34,000 students and researchers, it fosters a dynamic academic growth and collaboration environment. The university is one of Europe’s leading research institutions, working with top universities worldwide to share knowledge and maintain its position as a hub for innovation and learning. Located in the vibrant city of Groningen in the northern Netherlands, it attracts talent from across the globe.

Located within the University of Groningen, the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG) is a multidisciplinary hub for engineering science and technology research, driving the development of innovative, sustainable and smart processes and products through world-class research while actively investing in graduate and undergraduate education and mentorship. Through strong industry partnerships, ENTEG fosters knowledge transfer and contributes to the growth and competitiveness of the engineering sector. The institute provides a collaborative, resource-rich environment with cutting-edge laboratories and facilities to support transformative research across mechanical, materials and robotics engineering; optimisation, systems and control; and sustainable chemical engineering and biotechnology.

The ideal PhD candidate for this position is a talented engineer with a Master's degree and has the following traits:

1. A Master’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, with hands-on experience designing and implementing control strategies for multi-axis manipulators, including the development of force-feedback systems and custom gripper end-effectors for reliably handling complex, flexible objects such as textiles.
2. Proven ability to develop and implement advanced motion-planning algorithms and real-time control schemes, ideally demonstrated through digital-twin simulations and hardware-in-the-loop testing, to achieve sub-second cycle times for robotic systems.
3. Demonstrated analytical problem-solving through experimental design, critical quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and validation of innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges.
4. Proficiency in anticipating technical and schedule risks within the project, developing effective mitigation strategies, and implementing quality assurance processes so that all prototypes and workflows meet performance benchmarks and compliance requirements.
5. Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams throughout the project lifecycle by providing clear guidance, fostering collaboration, and promoting continuous improvement and innovation.
6. Strong written and verbal communication in English, with the ability to present findings and collaborate with international teams.

1. Fixed-term contract: 48 months.
2. We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• A salary of € 3,059 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,881 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE).
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.
• An 8.3% year-end bonus.
• A position for four years; you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected.
• A university PhD training programme is part of the agreement, and the candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

You may apply for this position until 11 September 11:59pm / before 12 September 2025 Dutch local time (CEST) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website). Please include the complete list of documents indicated below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

1. A detailed motivation letter including the candidate's aspirations, qualifications, and suitability for the programme.
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Relevant MSc and BSc diplomas
4. MSc programme grade transcripts: They should verify the candidate's educational qualifications and academic performance.
5. Official proof of English proficiency: See full description of the conditions and exemptions on the programme page
6. At least one reference contact (name and research institute)

The starting date is flexible, but it must be before 01 November 2025.

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

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