We are looking for a highly-motivated PhD candidate interested in performing cutting-edge research to study a new paradigm that remotely connect humans on a physical level using unobtrusive haptic feedback to improve training and rehabilitation. 

Practice makes perfect; and this is especially true for rehabilitation training. During training, the haptic feedback provided by therapists to patients guides their movements and rapid rehabilitation. But, since therapists’ time is limited, physical contact is not always possible, and patients are for the most part dependent on self-practice at home. Without haptic feedback from the therapists, the self-directed training is less effective and can even cause incorrect learning due to human motor redundancy. Ideally, patients could access a remote or virtual trainer who would provide them with intuitive and natural haptic guidance.

The aim of this project is to create a wearable device that connects the patient and the trainer via a virtual physical link. The device will be used for remote therapy and to learn from recorded Human-Human Interaction to develop realistic haptic guidance for virtual physical therapy (artificial sensorimotor interactions).

Within this PhD position, you will:

1. Design and develop a unique wearable that captures movement and provides haptic feedback;
2. Design and evaluation how to optimally couple humans via a haptic link using musculoskeletal simulations;
3. Develop a data-driven control model that learns from human interaction to create artificial haptic interaction.

We are looking for someone that has a MSc degree in the field of (Bio)Mechanical Engineering, System and Control, Robotics or a related field, and who has a background and/or affinity with:

• Mechatronics and/or Control theory
• Signal processing and machine learning
• Biomechanics and/or Human factors
• Human sensorimotor control and/or neuromechanics

Attributes we are looking for:

• Curiosity driven person with a ‘can learn anything’ mentality
• Independent thinker with a critical attitude
• Initiative taker
• Enthusiasm toward human experiments

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

What we offer:

Three enthusiastic supervisors, who are experts in the field of Human Movement Optimization (Dr. Eline van der Kruk), Tactile Machines (Dr. Michael Wiertlewski), and Human-Robot interaction (Prof. David Abbink), an inspiring group of peers, and opportunities for personal development. There are close collaborations with clinical university partners (Leiden University Medical Center, Erasmus Medical Center), and Rehabilitation Centers (Basalt, Rijndam)

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.