This individual project will be specifically devoted to the application of the technology in the field of artificial muscles. One of the main limitations of current polymeric actuators is that they present a very low (around 1%) efficiency to translate electrical energy into mechanical energy. Higher efficiencies are required for most applications in order to get this technology in the market. The fellow will analyze the possible technologies to be applied in these developments, learn how to synthesize different families of conducting polymers with prevalent exchange of cations, or anions, during actuation; how to fabricate and check artificial muscles under different experimental conditions. Part of the activities, including the scientific guidance, will be carried at Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena. Toribio Fernández will be the responsible researcher in the scientific and academic field at UPCT.
Research Fields
Technology - Materials technology
Other costs
The MSCA programme offers highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions. The successful candidates will receive a salary in accordance with the MSCA regulations for early stage researchers. Exact salary will be confirmed upon appointment [Living Allowance = 36424 euro/year + Monthly mobility allowance = 600 to 1100 euro depending on the family situation]. In addition to their individual scientific projects, all fellows will benefit from further continuing education, which includes internships and secondments, a variety of training modules as well as transferable skills courses and active participation in workshops and conferences.
Eligibility criteria
● M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Material Science/Engineering or related field
● Strong experimental skills in electrical and mechanical engineering, materials science, basic polymer science, functional biology or related field
● Have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and enjoy teamwork with colleagues in a multicultural setting.
● Adept at thinking at a system level, interested in applications and enjoy building and testing working devices
● Highly motivated, taking initiative, communicative, quality minded, flexible, and eager to learn
● Eager to frequent travel to secondment hosts and workshops
● Experience in the fields of soft actuators or testing will be an asset.
● Basic knowledge in clean room processes will be appreciated
● Fluent in English. Knowledge of local language is a plus.
● Early-stage researchers (ESR) are those who are, at the time of recruitment by the host, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. ESR should qualify as PhD student for PhD programme in the university in which the research training is provided.
● Researchers can be of any nationality. At the time of recruitment by the host, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date. Short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account.
Selection process
Interested candidates should send their CV and Letter of Motivations to HOST CONTACT (indicate the selected ESR and host!). Deadline for applications is January 28th. Earlier application gives an advantage.
The host contact person will give additional information about formal requirements to apply for PhD student position at specific university.
| 1 |
| 1 |
| yes |
| Spain |
| International |
| International |
| Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate) |
| First Stage Researcher (R1) |
| yes |
| 50824 |
| euro |
| yes |
| yes |
| no |
| 36 |