NTNU Opens PhD Position in Field Robotics
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The Norwegian University of Science and Technology has announced a fully funded PhD Candidate position in Field Robotics at its Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. The role focuses on advanced robotic manipulation and AI-driven underwater systems, with an application deadline of 30 April 2026.
Overview of the PhD in Field Robotics at NTNU
This PhD position is a three-year doctoral research opportunity offering a salary of NOK 550,800 per year. The selected candidate will be enrolled in NTNU’s PhD programme and will work within a highly interdisciplinary environment combining robotics, artificial intelligence, and control systems.
The research will be conducted in Trondheim under the supervision of Professor Eleni Kelasidi, head of the Field Robotics Lab.
Research Focus: AI-Driven Underwater Robotics
The project centers on developing intelligent and autonomous underwater robotic systems capable of operating in complex, real-world environments. These systems are designed for applications across industries such as offshore energy, aquaculture, and environmental monitoring.
Key research areas include:
Learning-based robotic manipulation using imitation learning (IL) and reinforcement learning (RL)
Development of dexterous grasping and manipulation skills in underwater environments
Integration of large language models (LLMs) for task planning and knowledge transfer
Enhancing perception, control, and interaction in autonomous robotic systems
The goal is to create robust, adaptable robotic platforms capable of performing inspection, maintenance, and repair tasks in challenging conditions.
Project Environment and Collaboration
The PhD position is part of the Norwegian Centre for Embodied AI, a national initiative focused on understanding how intelligence emerges from the interaction between physical systems and their environment. The centre connects leading academic institutions, industry partners, and global research networks.
Candidates will have access to advanced robotic laboratories, experimental platforms, and field-testing infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
The PhD candidate will:
Conduct high-quality research in field robotics and AI
Develop and test robotic systems in laboratory and real-world environments
Publish research findings in academic journals and conferences
Participate in international collaborations and research exchanges
Contribute to supervision of master’s students
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in robotics, control engineering, or a closely related field. A strong academic record equivalent to a grade B or higher is typically required.
Preferred qualifications include:
Knowledge of robotics, machine learning, and autonomous systems
Programming experience in C++ and Python
Familiarity with ROS, computer vision, or sensor fusion
Hands-on experience with robotic system development
Candidates must also demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, independence, and the ability to work in a collaborative research environment.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive annual salary of NOK 550,800, along with standard Norwegian public sector benefits, including pension contributions and access to professional development resources.
Additional benefits include career mentoring, language training, and access to a supportive international research community.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package including:
CV and academic transcripts
Master’s thesis (or draft version)
Research project outline (maximum 4 pages)
Motivation letter
References (minimum two referees)
Relevant publications or supporting documents
All applications must be submitted through the official recruitment platform before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for this PhD position is 30 April 2026.
PhD Position in Materials Science at Delft University of Technology
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Position Overview
Institution: Delft University of Technology
Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences
Supervisor: Dr. Swapna Ganapathy
Location: Delft
Application Deadline: June 7, 2026
Duration: 4 years
Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 per month (increasing yearly)
Research Focus
This interdisciplinary PhD project explores the development of sodium-sulfur (Na-S) batteries as a sustainable European alternative to lithium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage.
The project combines:
Experimental battery chemistry and materials science
Sustainability and environmental impact assessment
Critical raw material analysis
Systems-level energy transition research
The research aims to support Europe’s transition toward safer and more sustainable energy storage technologies.
Main Research Areas
Experimental Battery Research
You will:
Synthesize and develop novel inorganic materials for Na-S batteries
Perform electrochemical testing
Characterize materials using:
XPS
XRD
SEM
Solid-state NMR
Sustainability & Systems Analysis
You will also investigate:
Greenhouse gas emissions
Ecological impacts
Material flow analysis (MFA)
Life cycle assessment (LCA)
Critical raw material supply risks
European strategic autonomy in battery manufacturing
The work is expected to be approximately:
50% laboratory research
50% sustainability and systems analysis
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should have a Master’s degree in:
Applied Physics
Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Industrial Ecology
Or a related field
Preferred experience includes:
Inorganic material synthesis
Electrochemical testing
Characterization techniques such as NMR, XPS, and XRD
Sustainability assessment tools like LCA or MFA
Interest in sustainable energy storage and critical raw materials
Employment Benefits
Salary & Contract
Starting salary: €3,059/month
Final-year salary: €3,881/month
8% holiday allowance
8.3% end-of-year bonus
Additional Benefits
Enrollment in the TU Delft Graduate School
Flexible work arrangements
Relocation support for international candidates
Health insurance discounts
Research training and mentorship
Access to interdisciplinary collaborations
Research Environment
You will work within:
Climate Safety & Security centre
Faculty of Applied Sciences at Delft University of Technology
The project also involves collaboration with policymakers and international organizations through the university’s campus in The Hague.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
Motivation letter
CV
Academic transcripts
Master’s thesis or project report
Relevant publications/projects (if available)
Applications must be submitted online through the official university portal.
Official Website
PhD Student Position in Medical Sciences at HZDR
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Scholarship Summary
Institution: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
Department: Institute of Radiooncology – OncoRay
Location: Dresden
Position Type: PhD Student (f/m/d)
Research Area: Cancer Biology, Immunotherapy, Radiotherapy, Molecular Biology
Application Deadline: June 29, 2026
Research Project Overview
The ImmunoFLASH project focuses on improving anti-tumor CAR T-cell immunotherapy using FLASH radiotherapy, an innovative ultra-high-dose-rate radiation therapy that may reduce damage to healthy tissues while maintaining effective tumor treatment.
This interdisciplinary research project is a collaboration between multiple institutes at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, including:
Institute of Radiooncology – OncoRay
Institute of Radiation Physics
Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research
The project aims to evaluate the combined effects of proton FLASH radiotherapy and CAR T-cell immunotherapy using in vitro and in vivo experimental models while identifying molecular pathways and biomarkers associated with treatment responses.
Research Responsibilities
The selected PhD student will:
Develop scientific objectives and research hypotheses
Prepare animal study protocols
Conduct in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo laboratory experiments
Perform molecular and cellular biology analyses
Manage and evaluate scientific data according to good research practices
Collaborate with multidisciplinary scientific teams
Present findings at seminars and international conferences
Publish research articles in peer-reviewed journals
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
Master’s or Diploma degree in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Biomedicine, or a related field
Strong background in tumor biology and molecular/cell biology techniques
Experience with laboratory animals (mice) is desirable
Experience with patient-derived models is an advantage
Ability to work in interdisciplinary research environments
Strong teamwork and communication skills
Fluency in written and spoken English
Salary and Benefits
The position includes:
Employment under the German public sector agreement (TVöD-Bund)
30 days of paid annual leave
Company pension scheme (VBL)
Flexible working hours and mobile working opportunities
Access to continuing education and networking programs
Health management and employee wellness programs
Discounts through Corporate Benefits
Subsidized Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket
Research Environment
The project brings together experts in medicine, biology, immunology, radiation physics, chemistry, pharmacy, and IT to develop advanced cancer therapies and personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf work within a highly international and collaborative scientific environment with employees from over 70 nations.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: June 29, 2026
Start Date: October 1, 2026
Contract Duration: 36 months
How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
Cover letter
CV
Academic diplomas and transcripts
Supporting application documents
Applications must be submitted through the official online application system of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf.
Official Website
For complete application details and further information, visit the official website of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
PhD Position in Environmental Science at Radboud University
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Scholarship Summary
Institution: Radboud University
Department: Faculty of Science
Location: Nijmegen
Position Type: PhD Research Position
Research Area: Ecology, Biodiversity, Vegetation Modelling, Environmental Science
Application Deadline: May 30, 2026
Research Project Overview
This PhD project focuses on understanding how nature restoration actions influence habitats and ecosystems across Europe. The selected candidate will develop and apply dynamic vegetation models to investigate how restoration measures affect habitat condition, biodiversity recovery, and ecosystem resilience.
The project addresses critical environmental challenges caused by habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, climate change, and land-use pressures. The research will support European restoration initiatives and contribute to understanding ecological responses to restoration actions.
The successful applicant will:
Review and evaluate existing dynamic vegetation models
Simulate recolonisation processes and vegetation succession
Develop models incorporating climate change and nitrogen deposition
Analyse the effects of restoration measures on habitat trajectories
Apply models to selected regions across Europe
The project is part of a larger European research initiative focused on nature restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Responsibilities
Develop and improve process-based ecological models
Conduct biodiversity and vegetation simulations
Analyse ecological and environmental datasets
Contribute to restoration and conservation research
Participate in multidisciplinary international collaborations
Contribute 10% of working time to teaching activities
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
MSc degree in biology, ecology, or a related natural sciences field
Strong interest in process-based ecological modelling
Knowledge of programming languages such as R, Python, or Matlab
Interest in biodiversity and ecosystem restoration research
Ability to work in international and multidisciplinary teams
Good written and spoken English communication skills
Salary and Benefits
Starting salary: €3,059 gross per month
Salary increases up to €3,881 in the fourth year
Initial 1.5-year contract with possible extension to 4 years after positive evaluation
8% holiday allowance
8.3% end-of-year bonus
Choice between 30 or 41 annual leave days
Flexible working arrangements and work-life balance support
Pension scheme and professional development opportunities
Discount on university sports and cultural facilities
Research Environment
The position is based at the Department of Environmental Science within the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES). The department focuses on sustainability science, biodiversity conservation, and environmental modelling to support sustainable transitions.
The Faculty of Science at Radboud University hosts an international research environment with staff from more than 70 countries.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: May 30, 2026
Interview Dates: June 15, 17, and/or 18, 2026
Preferred Start Date: September 1, 2026
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official application portal of Radboud University. Applicants should address their application letter to Dr. Jelle Hilbers.
Official Website
For detailed application instructions and complete information, visit the official website of Radboud University
PhD/Postdoc Position in Bio Sciences at Radboud University
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Scholarship Summary
Institution: Radboud University
Department: Faculty of Science
Location: Nijmegen
Position Type: PhD / Postdoctoral Research Position
Study Area: Biodiversity, Ecology, Ecosystem Services, Environmental Science
Application Deadline: May 30, 2026
Research Project Overview
This research project focuses on understanding how nature-inclusive agriculture and forestry can help restore biodiversity and ecosystem services. The selected candidate will work with quantitative ecological models and meta-analytical approaches to evaluate environmental restoration strategies.
The project investigates biodiversity indicators such as species diversity and abundance, as well as ecosystem services including pollination and carbon sequestration. The research also aims to identify areas where restoration actions provide combined benefits for biodiversity, productivity, and ecosystem functioning.
The project is part of a major European initiative supporting the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
Position Responsibilities
Apply meta-analysis and ecological modelling techniques
Conduct spatial conservation prioritisation research
Analyse biodiversity and ecosystem service datasets
Collaborate with international and interdisciplinary research teams
Contribute to teaching activities in BSc/MSc Biology programmes (10% workload)
Publish scientific findings and participate in project activities
Eligibility Criteria
For PhD Applicants
MSc degree in conservation ecology, macroecology, or a related field
For Postdoctoral Applicants
PhD degree in conservation ecology, macroecology, or a related field
Required Skills
Experience or interest in ecological data analysis and statistical modelling
Knowledge of programming languages such as R or Python
Strong interest in biodiversity research and sustainability
Good written and spoken English communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively in international research environments
Salary and Benefits
PhD Position
Starting salary: €3,059 gross per month
Salary increases up to €3,881 in the fourth year
Initial 1.5-year contract with extension to 4 years after positive evaluation
Postdoctoral Position
One-year contract with possible two-year extension
Salary based on experience and qualifications
Additional Benefits
8% holiday allowance
8.3% end-of-year bonus
30 to 41 annual leave days
Flexible working arrangements
Pension scheme and professional development opportunities
Discount on university sports and cultural activities
Research Environment
The position is hosted at the Department of Environmental Science within the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES). The department focuses on sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and environmental transitions through interdisciplinary scientific research.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application through the official application portal of Radboud University. Applications should be addressed to Dr. Koen Kuipers.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: May 30, 2026
Interview Dates: June 15, 17, or 18, 2026
Preferred Start Date: September 1, 2026
Official Website
For complete details and the application procedure, visit the official website of Radboud University