Fully Funded MSc & PhD Positions in Soft Robotics and Mechatronics – Turkey

Explore exceptional, fully funded MSc and PhD opportunities in soft robotics, mechatronics, mechanical, biomedical, electrical, and electronics engineering at the Living Robotics Laboratory, Istanbul Medipol University, Turkey. Competitive stipends, interdisciplinary research, and world-class mentorship. Apply now for Spring 2026!

Fully Funded Graduate Positions in Robotics, Mechatronics & Biomedical Engineering at Istanbul Medipol University

Are you a highly motivated student in engineering or the sciences, passionate about robotics and biomedical technologies? The Living Robotics Laboratory at Istanbul Medipol University (IMU), Turkey offers fully funded MSc and PhD positions for 2025–2026 in Soft Robotic Rehabilitation Systems. This multidisciplinary program, led by Asst. Prof. Elif Hocaoglu, blends engineering, medicine, and clinical practice to advance the frontier of robotics for healthcare.

Why Choose This Program?

• Prestige and Innovation: Join Turkey’s leading laboratory in biomechatronics, recognized for advanced research in human augmentation, wearable robotics, and soft actuator technologies.

• Fully Funded Scholarships: Positions come with generous stipends—₺40,500/month for PhD and ₺36,000/month for MSc students, far above most national funding averages.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy free daily meals, heavily discounted student housing right on Medipol’s modern Istanbul campus, and unparalleled access to interdisciplinary clinics and labs.

• Direct Industry and Clinical Application: Collaborate with medical and engineering faculty from Istanbul University and Ankara Medipol University, shaping systems that go straight to clinical validation and patient care.

Research Project Overview

The core project develops personalized, modular rehabilitation systems for hand and wrist recovery, enabling:

• Gradual, synergy-based motor training

• User-specific therapy and active engagement of forearm and hand muscles

• Immediate application to stroke and tendon injury rehab

What you’ll do:
Design, build, and experimentally validate a functional soft-robotic prototype, working hands-on with healthy participants and patient populations in a real clinical environment.

Key Research Focus Areas

• Soft robotics for upper limb rehabilitation

• Human-in-the-loop control methodologies

• Multimodal sensor integration and fusion

• Modular electromechanical design, EtherCAT communication

• Clinical translation and patient trials

Who Should Apply? (Eligibility & Preferred Background)

Medipol seeks energetic full-time researchers from these disciplines:

• Mechatronics Engineering (priority)

• Mechanical Engineering (robotics/control focus)

• Biomedical Engineering

• Electrical & Electronics Engineering (control systems knowledge)

Strong candidates will have:

• Solid academic record in robotic systems, control theory, or electromechanical engineering

• Hands-on skills with MATLAB/Simulink, Ansys, C/C++, and 3D CAD

• Experience in sensor fusion, control platforms (EtherCAT a plus)

• Proven interest in interdisciplinary and patient-centric research

Funding & Benefits

Note: These stipends are highly competitive versus typical Turkish scholarships, which offer ₺6,500–₺9,000/month for PhD and ₺5,000–₺6,500 for MSc students.

Application Requirements

To begin your Medipol application:

1. Updated CV: List publications, thesis work, links to online resources, and transcripts.

2. Statement of Purpose: Detail your research interests, motivation, and career vision.

3. (Optional) GRE, ALES, TOEFL, YDS scores: Attach if available for added competitiveness.

How to Apply:
Email your documents (in a single PDF or ZIP) to:
Asst. Prof. Elif Hocaoglu
ehoacoglu [at] medipol.edu.tr

For more information, consult the Living Robotics Lab’s [open positions page].

What Makes IMU Living Robotics Lab Stand Out?

• Leadership: Directed by internationally trained experts like Asst. Prof. Elif Hocaoglu (PhD, Mechatronics; Postdoc, Imperial College London/IIT Genoa).

• Multidisciplinary Research: Work at the interface of engineering, neuroscience, prosthetics, and data-driven clinical practice.

• Global Impact: Projects supported by Turkish research councils (TÜSEB, TUBITAK) and aimed at real healthcare translation.

Important Dates & Intake

• Program Start: Spring Semester 2026

• Application Timeline: Recommended to apply at least 6–8 months prior to the semester for visa and scholarship processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Turkish language proficiency required?
A. No, but scholarship recipients receive a 1-year free Turkish language course to aid integration.

Q. Am I eligible as an international student?
A. Yes, the program welcomes candidates from all countries, as long as you have a relevant Bachelor’s (for MSc) or Master’s (for PhD) degree, and meet academic standards.

Q. Are there additional scholarships?
A. Yes, national programs like Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) also provide full funding, health insurance, accommodation, and travel grants.

About Istanbul Medipol University & Lab

IMU is Turkey’s fastest-growing, research-driven private university, recently joining the European robotics research network. The Living Robotics Laboratory is a leader in:

• Human augmentation robotics

• Assistive devices for clinical and daily use

• Cutting-edge haptic, sEMG, EEG-based human-machine interfaces

• International collaborations and outreach

IMU’s research environment is open, diverse, and fully equipped for your success.

Shape the Future of Robotics & Rehabilitation?
Apply now for a transformative, career-defining MSc or PhD journey with full financial and academic support at Istanbul Medipol University’s Living Robotics Lab!

For details or questions:
Asst. Prof. Elif Hocaoglu
ehoacoglu [at] medipol.edu.tr
Website: https://www.medipol.edu.tr/

Discover more at the [Living Robotics Lab Official Page]

If you’re an ambitious innovator eager to make a meaningful impact in robotics, mechatronics, or biomedical engineering—don’t miss this exceptional opportunity!