You work on the development of miniature scale actuators that are capable of generating work from low-grade heat. Applications are foreseen, for instance, in robotics, medical devices and in energy systems making use of waste heat. You have the following tasks:

• Characterization of TM foil properties (mechanical, thermal, magnetic)
• Modelling, design and simulation of TM test devices 
• Design and simulation of a suitable microfluidic circuit 
• Rapid prototyping (optical lithography, 3D printing, laser technology)
• Development, characterization and control of demonstrator variants
• Investigation of the scaling of size and actuation output
• Simulation-assisted system optimization

The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a 600 m² clean room, advanced rapid prototyping capabilities like lithography, 3D printing and laser cutting, packaging and interconnection technology labs, as well as various metrology laboratories. 

The activity offers the opportunity for a part-time doctorate.

• MSc in engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Knowledge in the fields of thermodynamics, magnetic materials, structural mechanics, heat transfer, microfluidics and microsystems technology 
• Experience in CAD, Lumped element modelling and/or FEM simulation and/or MATLAB programming, thermal characterization, mechanical testing is desirable
• Very good knowledge of spoken and written English

Salary

Salary category 13, depending on the fulfillment of professional and personal requirements.