Are you a senior researcher specializing in control and manipulation for robotics, with a passion for teamwork and mentoring junior engineers? Do you thrive in applied research environments where you lead projects, ensure alignment across initiatives, and actively acquire new research opportunities? Apply now.

This is what you do as Senior Researcher Control & Manipulation for Robotics

You will shape multiple projects in the field of control and manipulation as a technical lead in two integration research lines (Unmanned Robotic Systems and Smart Industrial Systems), in the projects we design and implement controllers, for example motion control & path planning methods for robotic systems, and design of grippers and controllers for interaction.

You will Initiate new projects, broaden or network and enhance our impact in education and society.
You will launch initiatives to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of our team’s working methods, contribute to education by giving lectures in your field of expertise and coach students and colleagues in projects.

This is where you will work

At Saxion we explore future developments, look beyond our borders and disciplines and drive innovation. By doing this together we contribute to a smarter, safer and more sustainable world. We question how significant technological innovations are and how they can contribute to humanity, society and our planet. We teach our students to look at social issues from a broad perspective and to come up with practical solutions.

School of Life Science, Engineering and Design
As Senior Researcher Control & Manipulation for Robotics at Saxion, you will be a member of the Smart Mechatronics And RoboTics (SMART) Research Group. This team is part of the School of Life Science, Engineering and Design (LED). LED offers an inspiring and effective learning, work and research environment, focused on applied technologies and recent national and international developments.

Saxion’s employment terms and conditions

Working at Saxion means working on inspiring, future-oriented education and research. You will fulfil an exciting position, working independently in a dynamic, socially relevant organisation that matters. The position provides you with plenty of opportunities to take initiative and develop.

We also offer the following:

• The following salary scale: scale 12: min € 5,761 / max € 7,534 (cao-hbo) working on a full-time basis.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
• You will receive a temporary contract, with the possibility of extension.
• A generous leave policy. For example: if you work full-time and have opted for a 40-hour week you can take 428 hours of leave annually. This means you will have 53.5 holiday leave days, including statutory holiday days and public holidays.
• Personal development: follow an inspirational webinar, workshop or training course at our internal Saxion Academy, do a career check or explore the possibilities of taking a master’s degree or PhD programme or professional doctorate.
• The Saxion Hybrid Working Package
• A comprehensive retirement plan. See the cao-hbo for more information.
• 100% allowance for travel by public transport and tax benefits on the purchase of a bicycle.

Would you like to find out more about our terms of employment? Check out our webpage.

Job requirements

We seek a professional who fits the job profile below. Does this sound like you? Then this job is ideal for you!

• Master of Science or PhD in a relevant technical discipline, like systems & control, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or mechatronics.
• At least 5 years of experience in (applied) research projects or engineering projects in industry in the field of control & manipulation for robotics, including experience with implementation on physical systems.
• You can motivate and coach a team to systematically turn state-of-the-art knowledge into working solutions and new knowledge for our research team.
• You have demonstratable experience in building and maintaining professional networks, initiating acquisition and aligning research road maps over projects.
• You have a critical eye for the overall quality of results and strive for continuous improvements.

How to apply

Feeling enthusiastic? Then apply directly for the position of Senior Researcher Control & Manipulation for Robotics using this application form.

Do you have any questions about this position? Please contact Abeje Mersha, Professor of Smart Mechatronics and Robotics (SMART), at +31 6 2233 7351. Limited access: I will have limited access during the holidays (July 21st, 2025 – August 17th, 2026).

Saxion strives to be a diverse and inclusive organisation. Feel free to apply.
VOG - may be part of the application process.

Application procedure

For your diary:

• Applications can be submitted until Monday 07-09-2026.
• The first job interview is on Monday 21-09-2026, between 13.00-17.30h.
• The second job interview (optional) is on Monday 28-9-2026, between 14.30-16.00h
• Finally, we schedule the employment conditions on a later time 

This position is open to both internal and external candidates. In case of equal suitability, internal candidates will be given preference.

Acquisition from employment agencies, based on this vacancy, is not appreciated.