Postdoc in Tactile Robotics for Dexterous Manipulation

**Postdoc in Tactile Robotics for Dexterous Manipulation**:
**_Challenge: Control robotic dexterous hand during dynamic movements_**
**_Change: Leverage high-resolution tactile sensors to handle contacts_**
**_Impact: Autonomous grasping and manipulation_**

**Job description**:
Current robotic systems rely primarily on vision and force sensors, missing the rich tactile information that enables human dexterity. Our lab pioneered a new tactile sensor technology (best student paper award at ICRA 2025) that offers unprecedented spatial resolution and sensitivity, providing robots with meaningful tactile sensing. This position represents a unique opportunity to leverage rich tactile information for dexterous manipulation.

Your role and impact as postdoctoral researcher, you'll lead the research in leveraging our tactile sensor technology to control grippers and multi-finger hands. Your primary mission involves developing control strategies that enable robots to perform complex manipulation through tactile feedback. You'll focus on three critical aspects of the problem: sliding motion control, rotation strategies for precise tool manipulation, and multi-finger coordination for more complex tasks.

You'll be part of the Tactile Machines Lab, which is a dynamic, interdisciplinary group of researcher bringing together expertise in robotics, sensing, machine learning, biomechanics, and haptics.

The project is funded by a NWO VIDI grant to the PI and provides financial security, access to state-of-the-art equipment, travel resources, and freedom to pursue new research directions.

Working on this project positions you at the forefront of robotics in the burgeoning field of tactile robotics. It is the perfect platform for you to gain expertise in cutting-edge sensing technologies, develop deep understanding of robotic manipulation, and build a record of high-impact publications.

**Job requirements**:

- PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
- Strong background in robotic and control systems.
- Experience with dexterous manipulation, tactile sensing or haptic systems.
- Proficiency in programming (Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar).
- Experience with robotic platforms and hardware.
- Knowledge of machine learning and signal processing techniques.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Publication record in robotics, sensing, or related fields.

**TU Delft (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.

Challenge. Change. Impact

**Faculty Mechanical Engineering**:
ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.
- Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

**Conditions of employment**:

- Duration of contract is 1,5 years Temporary
- A job of 36-40 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Prog