The Blasco research group at Heidelberg University (UHEI) offers a PhD position funded for 3 three years by an MSCA scholarship with competitive conditions.

Objectives: The main aims of the project are: 1) to identify and evaluate suitable degradable materials for microrobot fabrication, 2) develop and optimize the formulation for two-photon laser printing (including printing parameters), 3) to design micro-robots with optimized geometry and functionality, 4) to analyze the degradation kinetics of the fabricated micro-robots under different conditions and determine the factors influencing degradation rates.

Expected results: In the course of the project the following results are expected: (1) Formulation of a degradable material for two-photon laser printing; (2) Printing of micro-robots with optimized 3D geometries and response (e.g., to T or light); (3) Successful modifications of the surface of the robots with different functionalities; (4) Degradation of the printed micro-robots using enzymes. Main Outcome: Education program for the PhD student in: 1) state-of-the-art 3D printing techniques such two-photon laser printing, 2) development of new biodegradable and printable materials 3) scientific publications, exchange and attendance of international conferences in the field of micro-robotics.

Heidelberg University (UHEI), founded in 1386, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany, renowned for its excellence in in natural sciences fostering innovation and cutting-edge research in a highly collaborative academic environment. The institution has more than 31.000 students from over 130 different countries. The Blasco research group which is part of the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM) offers a dynamic research environment with a strong focus on the chemical design of advanced materials for 3D printing at the microscale. At this, the major aim is the implementation of sustainability, functionality as well as smartness into tomorrow’s polymer materials paving the way for the next generation of functional devices and applications. To this end, the Blasco research group accompanies the entire process from material conceptualization, over development, characterization and optimization, to processing via 3D microprinting and final implementation in functional microprinted 3D applications. (https://www.imseam.uni-heidelberg.de/en/research-groups/blasco-group).