Imagine you touched the screen of your smartphone and could feel the brush strokes of Van Gogh, the fur of your beloved pet on a Zoom call, or fabrics in online shopping.

With the invention of surface haptic displays that render the tactile sensation of running our fingers over textured surfaces, this world seems within reach. However, a major bottleneck is that they depend on ad-hoc databases of previously recorded finger interactions.

Haptic Interface Technology Lab (HITLab) is looking for a highly-motivated Ph.D. student to solve this problem by developing a new texture rendering methodology that can emulate the feel of diverse textures without the need for data recording.

In this project, you will 1) analyze finger-surface contact data recorded from real surfaces, 2) develop a generative texture rendering methodology for surface haptic displays, 3) evaluate your methodology by conducting human-participant experiments, and 4) publish your results in the form of journal and conference papers and hands-on demonstrations. Moreover, you will have the unique opportunity to work with a diverse user committee having members from industry (e.g., Huawei Technologies, Siemens, Van Gogh Museum). Besides, you will develop your a) presentation and networking skills by attending international conferences, b) leadership skills by co-supervising B.Sc./M.Sc. students for their theses and improving lab organization, and c) teaching skills by actively contributing to courses as a teaching assistant.

The Haptic Interface Technology Lab (HITLab) is an interdisciplinary research group led by Dr. Yasemin Vardar at the Human-Robot Interaction Section of the Cognitive Robotics Department of the Delft University of Technology. We aim to create natural, compelling, and customizable haptic interactions in digital environments. Our group investigates skin deformations occurring during interactions with natural surfaces/tactile interfaces and the resulting perceptual experiences. We also design new haptic interfaces and rendering algorithms. Our team benefits from the collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment of the Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Section, creating versatile development opportunities. We have strong collaboration within and outside of the university. For more information, you can see our website.

We are looking for applicants who have:

• high motivation for working on an interdisciplinary project,
• M.Sc. degree in a related subject (Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems and Control, Neuroscience, or similar),
• good programming, data analysis, and signal processing skills,
• dare to dream big and take initiatives,
• hunger for learning and finding "new" things
• independent and critical attitude.

Candidates who have experience in any of the following attributes:

• psychophysics or human-participants experiments,
• data-driven modeling,
• computational neuroscience,
• mechatronic design

are specifically encouraged to apply.

The preferred starting date is in the fall of 2022.

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.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

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.