Description

We are developing large-scale electromagnetic systems for medical robotic applications. The research focuses on the design and experimental realization of electromagnets that generate controlled magnetic fields and gradients for magnetic actuation. Your work will combine electromagnetic modeling, thermal and mechanical design, fabrication, and experimental validation to develop systems for steering magnetic medical robots.

Successful applicants will join the Medical Robotic Systems (MRS) Lab at Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, and contribute to research in the following areas:

  • Electromagnetic modeling and optimization of coil geometries, magnetic cores, and multi-coil arrangements
  • Finite element analysis of magnetic fields, gradients, and magnetic material saturation
  • Thermal management, cooling system design, and evaluation of continuous operating limits
  • Mechanical design, coil fabrication, assembly, and integration with power electronics
  • Experimental field mapping, calibration, and validation for magnetic robotic actuation

Education & Experience

Applicants should:

  • Have a background in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a closely related field
  • Have strong motivation for experimental research and doctoral study
  • Have good oral and written communication skills in English
  • Be able to work on-site at METU in Ankara

Applicants should have experience or knowledge in the following areas:

  • Knowledge of electromagnetism, magnetic circuits, and electromagnetic force generation
  • Numerical modeling and engineering simulation, including finite element analysis
  • Practical engineering design, prototyping, and experimental testing
  • Programming for simulation, optimization, and data analysis, preferably in Python or MATLAB

Experience in the following areas is an advantage:

  • Electromagnet, electric machine, transformer, or magnetic actuator design
  • Electromagnetic simulation using COMSOL, ANSYS Maxwell, or similar software
  • Heat transfer analysis, liquid cooling, and coupled electromagnetic–thermal modeling
  • CAD, manufacturing, coil winding, and mechanical assembly
  • Power electronics, current control, magnetic field measurement, or robotic actuation

Scholarship & Financial Support

Selected students will receive scholarship support funded by a TÜBİTAK research project and serve as teaching assistants in the Robotics Graduate Program. They will receive a tuition fee waiver and have the opportunity to access on-campus graduate housing. A support letter will also be provided for their Türkiye Scholarships application.

Timeline

Interviews are tentatively planned for December 2026. Selected candidates may join the laboratory between February and May 2027, with PhD enrollment targeted for September 2027.

Eligibility & Inclusion

This application call is for international students only. Turkish applicants will be considered through separately announced YÖK Araştırma Görevlisi recruitment calls and should apply through those procedures.

We welcome international applicants from diverse backgrounds and particularly encourage women interested in electromagnet design, magnetic actuation, and medical robotics to apply. We are committed to fostering an inclusive research environment where researchers can develop their ideas, build experimental expertise, and contribute to advances in medical technology.

Application

Please complete the online application form using the link below. The form provides instructions on the required information and supporting documents.

Apply Online

For questions, please contact the principal investigator.