Trinity College Dublin School of Chemistry
Organisation/Company Trinity College Dublin School of Chemistry Department School of Chemistry Research Field Chemistry » Other Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Ireland Application Deadline 10 Aug 2025 - 17:00 (Europe/Dublin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 39 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Biomimetic 4D Robotic Micro-tools
Research in the Florea group (florealab.com) combines fundamental material synthesis, polymer science and microfabrication technologies, to provide access to ‘adaptive’ materials that switch between different states in response to various external stimuli. Stimulation of these materials using light, temperature, electrochemical potential, or changes in the local chemical environment can result in highly precise 4D control, from the nano- to the micro- to the macro-scale. The incorporation of responsive units at the molecular level, combined with precise assembly at the nano-/micro- level via controlled polymerisation methods, 3D design and micro-fabrication, permits the realisation of customised 3D architectures which can undergo anisotropic and directional/programmable shape change upon stimulation.
This project is funded by Research Ireland and is focused on the development of responsive polymer materials and structures with application in soft micro-robotics. We aim to achieve functional demonstrators of micro-actuators that can be used in next-generation microcatheter devices for neurosurgery. This project will combine state-of-the-art 3D manufacturing techniques with novel polymers and nanocomposites, to create micro-tools with flexible hinges and joints that can be triggered remotely to move and even deliver drugs on demand. These breakthroughs will be of significant benefit to the health and medicine sectors, where microrobotic tools have the potential to enable highly precise surgical procedures, and localised drug delivery.
The PhD fellow will be supervised by Associate Prof. Larisa Florea (principal investigator) and will be registered for the doctoral programme within TCD’s School of Chemistry.
Role Description
This position will focus on the synthesis of novel (stimuli-responsive) polymers and their micro-fabrication to produce micro-actuators. Special focus will be placed on the use of direct laser writing (DLW) via multi-photon polymerisation as the microfabrication technology. Experimental work will include the synthesis of functional monomers, stimuli-responsive polymers and nanomaterials, and their incorporation in to 3D microstructures. Special attention will be given to the chemical and physical characterisation of these materials, their biocompatibility, and suitability for 3D micro-fabrication processes.
The successful candidate will play a substantial role in the synthesis of new polymers, design and fabrication of microstructures and micro-actuators, will report directly to the PI, Prof. Florea (School of Chemistry) and collaborate with the other team members, AMBER & Trinity researchers, and external collaborators, as necessary. They will join aninterdisciplinary, multinational teamengaging in an in-depth research program in the realm of soft materials. Additionally, all members of the Florea group will have the opportunity to define and shape their own research within the overall remit of the project. Group members will be encouraged to attend conferences, summer-schools, and secondments at other institutions.
Host Institution
Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin
Trinity College Dublin is recognised internationally as Ireland's leading university and is ranked 87th globallyin the 2025 QS World University Rankings. It is a member of the prestigious League of European Research Universities. The oldest university in Ireland, and one of the oldest in Europe, today Trinity sits at the intersection of the past and the future and is ideally positioned as a major university in the European Union. Our 47-acre campus is located in the heart of Dublin city centre and is home to historic buildings dating from the University’s establishment, as well as some of the most cutting-edge teaching and research facilities in Ireland. The pursuit of excellence through research and scholarship is at the heart of a Trinity education, and our researchers have an outstanding publication record and strong record of grant success.
AMBER (Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research) is an internationally-leading research centre funded by Science Foundation Ireland that provides a partnership between leading researchers in materials science and industry. AMBER brings together Ireland’s leading material science researchers working across the disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Bioengineering and Medicine; with an international network of collaborators and companies.
The clustering of material science research expertise, state of the art infrastructure and a team of professional support staff has enhanced Ireland’s international reputation in materials science research and driven increased investment from industry. Specifically, Ireland was ranked8th in the worldfor materials science research over a decade.Trinity College Dublin is particularly prominent in this field, with many of its researchers contributing to Ireland's strong global reputation in materials science and chemistry.
Where to apply
E-mail floreal@tcd.ie
Requirements
Research Field Chemistry » Other Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Research Field Chemistry Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Role Description
This position will focus on the synthesis of novel (stimuli-responsive) polymers and their micro-fabrication to produce micro-actuators. Special focus will be placed on the use of direct laser writing (DLW) via multi-photon polymerisation as the microfabrication technology. Experimental work will include the synthesis of functional monomers, stimuli-responsive polymers and nanomaterials, and their incorporation in to 3D microstructures. Special attention will be given to the chemical and physical characterisation of these materials, their biocompatibility, and suitability for 3D micro-fabrication processes.
The successful candidate will play a substantial role in the synthesis of new polymers, design and fabrication of microstructures and micro-actuators, will report directly to the PI, Prof. Florea (School of Chemistry) and collaborate with the other team members, AMBER & Trinity researchers, and external collaborators, as necessary. They will join aninterdisciplinary, multinational teamengaging in an in-depth research program in the realm of soft materials. Additionally, all members of the Florea group will have the opportunity to define and shape their own research within the overall remit of the project. Group members will be encouraged to attend conferences, summer-schools, and secondments at other institutions.
Specific Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold a minimum of an honours bachelor’s degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in Chemistry or related subjects.
Excellent first-hand knowledge of chemical techniques and characterisation methods.
Preference is given to candidates with a knowledge of organic chemistry, nanoscience, or polymer chemistry.
Applicants must provide evidence of competence in English language by achieving the minimum standard in a recognised English language test, as outlined at the following link:
The PhD student stipend are currently set at €25,000 per annum and receive full fees remission for a maximum duration of four years.
Application Process
Required documents: a CV; a cover letter briefly describing how your interests and expertise align with this project ; an example of your written academic work such as an article, master thesis chapter, final year project, term paper or prior published work.
(with “PhD Biomimetic 4D Robotic Micro-tools” in the subject line).
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. They will be asked to nominate two academic referees. The successful candidate will go through the Trinity College registration process. Ideally, they will start in September /October 2025. Later registration dates would be made available (January 2026), if required.
Additional Information
Stipend
The PhD student stipend are currently set at €25,000 per annum and receive full fees remission for a maximum duration of four years.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants should hold a minimum of an honours bachelor’s degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in Chemistry or related subjects.
Excellent first-hand knowledge of chemical techniques and characterisation methods.
Preference is given to candidates with a knowledge of organic chemistry, nanoscience, or polymer chemistry.
Applicants must provide evidence of competence in English language by achieving the minimum standard in a recognised English language test, as outlined at the following link:
Required documents: a CV; a cover letter briefly describing how your interests and expertise align with this project ; an example of your written academic work such as an article, master thesis chapter, final year project, term paper or prior published work.
(with “PhD Biomimetic 4D Robotic Micro-tools” in the subject line).
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. They will be asked to nominate two academic referees. The successful candidate will go through the Trinity College registration process. Ideally, they will start in September /October 2025. Later registration dates would be made available (January 2026), if required.
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