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August 21, 2025

**Job Description**
This project focuses on developing advanced, untethered soft artificial muscles for next-generation power clothing, exosuits, and assistive wearables, addressing the limitations of current bulky, heavy, rigid, or tethered wearable actuators. It aims to create new artificial muscles by exploring smart materials and soft actuation technologies, leveraging expertise in fundamental and applied transduction mechanisms, smart electroactive materials, embodied intelligence, advanced control systems, and microfabrication techniques. This PhD forms part of the £14 million VIVO Hub for Enhanced Independent Living, which uses digital and robotic technologies to support ageing and disabled populations in maintaining activity, physical health, and mental well-being. The successful candidate will join the VIVO team, collaborating with experts across multiple universities.

**Skills & Abilities**
• Evidence of scientific writing (publication, thesis, technical report)
• Knowledge of programming (C/C++/python/MATLAB), CAD software (SolidWorks/Autodesk) and basic electronics
• Understanding of physical and chemical principles of/for transduction
• Experience building prototypes and conducting experiments
• Familiar with or have an interest in this project’s research field

**Qualifications**
Required Degree(s) in:
• Science
• Mathematics
• Engineering

**Experience**
Other:
• English language proficiency: Profile E (if English is not first language)

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Experience
Other: • English language proficiency: Profile E (if English is not first language)
Work Level
Ph.D
Employment Type
Scholarship, See Details
Salary
School funding - commitment to support VIVO hub
Details
See Details Location Requirement: Campus-based at Bristol Robotics Laboratory
School / Department / Center / Lab
• Bristol SoftLab • VIVO Hub for Enhanced Independent Living • Bristol Robotics Laboratory • Engineering Mathematics
Supervisor(s)
Jonathan Rossiter
Supervisor Email
jonathan.rossiter@bristol.ac.uk pg-eng-admissions@bristol.ac.uk
University of Bristol
View profile
Industry
Education
Phone
+44 117 928 9000 +44 117 928 **** Show
Location
Bristol