Call for ESR-1 position open

Smart responsive materials have the potential to provide new functionalities and push the limit of current or new applications since their mechanical or electrical properties are not frozen. In a similar way as liquid crystals (LC) are used for their adjustable optical properties in liquid crystal displays (LCD), upon application of an electric field, the dielectric properties of the LC can be tuned to adjust the interaction of the substrate with radio frequency waves. This project will focus on the assessment, development, synthesis and processing of stimulus-triggered materials based on liquid crystals for communications at radio-frequency. The materials sense and feel. We envision that the communicating materials will channel the interface between human and machine and pave the way towards haptics, 5G communications .

This project will be carried out in close collaboration with a company, SABIC. The STORM-BOTS Consortium consists of 9 high profile research institutions, universities and companies working towards harnessing the full potential of liquid-crystal-based responsive surfaces, soft actuators and smart machines.

The selected ESR will be hired by TU/e and will develop her/his activity at the functional molecules and devices (SFD) group, performing secondments at SABIC and at the University of Cambridge (UK).

PhD programme – University: PhD/PDEng (tue.nl)