Research Lab Technician – Soft Robotics (Holland Hybrid Heart Project)

Job description

As a Research Lab Technician you will work closely with PhD and postdoc researchers and engineers, contributing to the design, prototyping, and testing of soft robotic cardiac components. This is a hands-on role requiring creativity, technical skill, and enthusiasm for lab-based innovation. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Support the development and prototyping of soft robotic heart components.
• Assist researchers with experimental design, setup, testing, and data collection.
• Develop, maintain, and manage laboratory equipment and fabrication tools.
• Contribute to mechanical design and iterative development processes.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and concept development.
• Fabricate and assemble prototypes using a variety of manufacturing techniques.
• Ensure proper documentation, data management, and reproducibility of experiments.

Work environment

The Holland Hybrid Heart is an ambitious multidisciplinary initiative focused on developing a next-generation soft robotic total artificial heart (TAH). The project integrates expertise from biomedical engineering, soft robotics, materials science, and cardiovascular research to create an implantable total artificial heart that mimics natural cardiac function. 

We aim to develop a fully operational device and successfully implant it in an animal model for chronic (long-term) trials by 2029–2030. To date, we have developed several prototypes capable of achieving physiological cardiac outputs in vitro (see our publications in nature reviews cardiology, nature communications and Science Advances for more details). However, beyond achieving sufficient cardiac output, several key challenges remain, including left–right balance, flow optimization, hemocompatibility (e.g., hemolysis), and long-term durability.

At Erasmus MC, our team focuses on the development of:

• A soft robotic pumping unit, designed to replicate physiological heart function.
• A textile-based heart valve prosthesis, enabling durable and biocompatible performance.

Qualifications and skills

Required Qualifications:

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, (Soft) Robotics or a closely related field.
• Strong hands-on engineering skills and practical mindset.
• Solid knowledge of mechanical design principles and manufacturing methods (e.g., machining, 3D printing, thermoforming, molding).
• Strong understanding of research methodologies and principles, including experimental design, data analysis, and documentation.
• Experience working in a structured research and laboratory environment, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
• Experience with CAD software (preferably SolidWorks).
• Fluent in English (spoken and written).
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or affinity with soft robotics and compliant mechanisms.
• Familiarity with prototyping soft materials (elastomers, textiles, composites.)
• Basic knowledge of actuation systems (pneumatic/hydraulic/electromechanical).
• Knowledge of cardiac physiology, heart mechanics, or the cardiovascular system is a strong advantage.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• A 1-year contract with the possibility of extension.
• Salary will be in scale 8 or 9, depending on education, qualifications, and relevant work experience. The maximum gross monthly salary, based on a full-time work week of 36 hours, is €4,722,- in scale 8 and €5,341,- in scale 9.
• A salary increase of 3,5% from May 2027, according to the collective labor agreement (CLA).
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Opportunity to work on a cutting-edge medical technology project with real-world impact.
• A dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art design and prototyping facilities in the hospital.
• Close interaction with leading researchers, clinicians, and engineers.
• Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work. 

More information

Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button. 

Do you have any substantive questions about the vacancy? Dr. Maziar Arfaee, technical lead of the Holland Hybrid Heart, will be happy to answer them via +31 (0)6 188 823 65.

No agencies please.