Postdoc Opportunities at the PAI Lab
​
Before applying, please check the fundamental requirements for working in the PAI Lab, and if you feel a good fit- go ahead. Also, independently of the position type, strongly consider applying for the highly prestigious postdoc scholarship opportunities, such as The Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship and Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program.
​
The following positions are available now:
​1. Fully funded postdoc position (with 3-month collaborative research at Northwestern University; open until staffed)
​Your role:
You will lead efforts in synthesizing the physical intelligence of robots, from the foundational material level to functional components (actuation, sensing, power, control), and their co-evolution and integration into soft-robotic systems, guided by learning-based control methods. Your research will encompass the development of functional ionic materials (conventional and sustainable) and the design and fabrication of material-based actuators, sensors, and power components, culminating in their integration into actuator-sensor-power systems. This groundwork will facilitate the application of learning-based methods to control such systems and lead to the full automation and creation of soft intelligent robots for future human-robot-nature ecosystems.
​
This fully-funded opportunity focuses on developing Physical AI through research on the multifunctionality of soft ionic materials. You will work on Soft Ionic Material Engineering and 3D-Printing for SoftRobotics.
The position involves:
- Affiliation and research at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel as part of an Israel Science Foundation (ISF) funded project.
- A 3-month collaborative research period at Northwestern University’s Robotic Matter Lab in the U.S., funded by the Crown Family Fellowship and Israel Innovation Project of Northwestern University.
The position at BGU is for one year, with a potential extension based on performance and evaluation.
The starting date is ASAP.
Your Profile:
We are looking for a talented and motivated postdoc with a track record of excellence. You should have:
- Strong research background in materials AND 3D-printing AND soft robotics.
- First-author Q1 publications in these areas.
- Expertise in soft ionic materials (e.g., ionogels, eutectogels).
- Experience with dispersions of conductive particles in polymer matrices.
- Knowledge of rheological measurements.
- Hands-on experience with DIW and VPP 3D-printing techniques.
Previous internships or research experience in leading groups globally, outside your main PhD research, on topics related to soft robotics, 3D-printing, rheology, or materials science of soft matter – a big advantage.
What to Expect:
You will perform your research at two cutting-edge labs:
- Physical AI (PAI) Lab, Ben-Gurion University (Beer Sheva, Israel): Your base location and research affiliation.
- Robotic Matter Lab, Northwestern University (U.S.): A 3-month collaboration to explore 3D-printable ionic materials.
​
How to Apply:
Send your application to Dr. Aslan Miriyev in a single email: miriyev@bgu.ac.il. Email Subject: "Postdoc Candidate for 3DP Ionic Materials."
Include all the following documents:
1. A letter of motivation (include your earliest availability for the position).
2. Full CV, including your current position, address, and publication list (mandatory: include journal rankings and impact factors for each paper).
3. Your full diploma with grades.
4. A list of 3 references who can provide recommendation letters (with full details).
5. Full PDFs of two select publications.
​
2. Non-funded postdoc positions (for candidates with their own obtained scholarship)
The general topics of interest are soft matter chemistry and its application in soft robotics, biohybrid robotics, zero-footprint eco-robotics, bio-integrated design of eco-friendly soft robotics, bio-integrated energy sources for robotics, soft actuator-sensor-computation loops, and learning-based control of functional matter.
​​​
To apply:​
Please directly email Dr. Aslan Miriyev (miriyev@bgu.ac.il) with the email title "Postdoc position in your lab with my own scholarship."
In your email, please include all the following PDF files:
1. A letter explaining your interest in the PAI Lab and the specific topic you would like to research at the PAI Lab
2. Your up-to-date CV, including a list of publications
3. Your Ph.D. diploma and grades
4. A list of at least 3 references with their contact information that includes the current positions and emails.