PHD Research Fellow in Materials Engineering at at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (Formation and Investigation of Conductive Tracks for Sensor Integration in Textiles)

25 Mar 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

State research institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology

Department

Functional Materials and Electronics Division

Research Field

Engineering » Materials engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

5 May 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Vilnius)

Country

Lithuania

Type of Contract

Permanent

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2026

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

PHD Research Fellow in Materials Engineering at at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC )

The Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) is the largest scientific research institution in Lithuania, conducting cutting-edge fundamental research and technological development. FTMC’s research spans key areas such as laser technologies, photonics, materials science, chemistry, electronics, nuclear physics, and nanotechnologies. FTMC offers doctoral studies in a multidisciplinary research environment where fundamental science is closely connected with applied research and industry collaboration. FTMC provides a strong scientific base, international research networks, and the flexibility for doctoral students to develop independent, high-impact research. 

Topic: Formation and Investigation of Conductive Tracks for Sensor Integration in Textiles

Supervisor: Sandra Varnaitė-Žuravliova, Senior Researcher, Department of Textile Technologies, ORCID: https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0001-7930-1751

Topic Description:

Smart textile technologies are rapidly advancing, making the formation of conductive tracks directly on textile surfaces an increasingly important research direction. There is a growing societal demand for lightweight, flexible, and reliable monitoring systems that do not restrict human movement and can be seamlessly integrated into everyday or specialized clothing. Traditional sensor attachment methods often compromise material structure, reduce comfort, and limit durability, whereas directly printing conductive tracks onto textiles represents a natural technological step forward.

The scientific novelty lies in forming conductive tracks not on smooth, but on complex, porous textile surfaces using specially engineered conductive ink formulations. This approach enables the creation of a mechanically compatible, deformation resistant, and accurate platform for sensor integration. The research opens opportunities to understand the interactions between ink and fiber, optimize track architecture, and ensure long term functional stability.

This research direction is highly promising due to its broad applicability in health monitoring, sports, protective clothing, industrial safety, and other fields.

About the Department:

The main activities of the Department of textile technologies: 

1. Based on the concept of the Green Deal to develop textile technologies that reduce the consumption of energy resources, water, chemicals and contribute to the development of the circular economy.

2. The development of protective functional and smart textiles.

3. The development of textiles for defence purposes.

Manufacturing technologies of textile materials are investigated and developed in the Department. Using various compositions of raw materials and different manufacturing technologies, functional textiles for various purposes are developed: knitted materials with active thermoregulatory properties, woven fabrics with various functional properties - non-flammable, electrically conductive, protecting against the electromagnetic field, etc. The Department is active in the R&D of energy-saving and environmentally friendly nano-finishing technologies for textiles. Research projects are carried out aiming to activate the surface of the textile materials and to initiate therein chemical changes by using low-pressure non-polymer gas plasma treatment. The incorporation of micro- and nanostructures into the textiles with different fiber content and construction is applied. Textiles with (multi)functional properties (antimicrobial, reduced flammability, antistatic, resistant to surface wetting and soiling, electromagnetic shielding, etc.) are investigated using different polymer coating and lamination technologies. The Department focus on the development of smart textiles by carrying out research on textiles with incorporated phase-changing materials, bio-ceramic additives, organic conductors and nanostructure carbon derivatives. The Department is also involved in the investigation of possibilities to apply combined functional properties to various textile materials. Theoretical and experimental investigations of protective clothing are carried out in this Department. Applying interdisciplinary research and up-to-date research methods, smart textiles and protective clothing technologies are investigated and developed. The models of protective clothing are designed and their functional and ergonomic properties are investigated. New materials, worn electronics and IT components are used to create novel textiles. 

The researchers of the Department are also involved in the development of prototypes and products, manufacturing of pilot batches, the performance of their final testing and commercialization of the scientific research results.

Where to apply

Website

https://www.ftmc.lt/phd-admission-and-2026-research-topics/

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering » Materials engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate must demonstrate strong research competence in experimental materials research or sensor technologies. 

Ability to design, conduct, and analyse experiments independently.

Excellent command of English for research communication.

Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Experience with digital printing technologies (inkjet, screen printing).

Familiarity with sensor design, wearable electronics, or flexible circuits.

Experience with data acquisition systems, microcontrollers, or wireless communication modules.

Specific Requirements

Proven experience in experimental research involving materials, textiles, or electronic components.

Practical skills in conductive inks, functional coatings, or printed electronics.

Experience with characterization techniques, such as electrical measurements, mechanical testing, microscopy.

Knowledge of textile structures, fibre–matrix interactions, or composite materials.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Engineering » Materials engineering

Additional Information
Benefits

A PhD at FTMC offers the opportunity to:

• conduct original research in a leading scientific research institute
• work with internationally recognised researchers
• access modern laboratories and advanced scientific infrastructure
• present research results at international conferences
• develop transferable skills and research independence

Doctoral students are encouraged to participate in international mobility, research internships.

Funding

Successful candidates will receive a state-funded doctoral stipend:

Year 1: 1406 EUR/month
Years 2 – 4: 1628 EUR/month

Funding for study-related expenses

Additional funding opportunities may be available through research projects and international collaborations.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants should have:

• a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
• strong motivation to conduct scientific research
• good command of English
• ability to work both independently and in a team

Additional requirements may depend on the specific research topic.

Selection process

Applicants must apply for one selected doctoral research topic.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a motivational interview with the doctoral admission committee.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Master’s diploma and diploma supplement
• Reference letters (including one from the potential supervisor). To receive a recommendation from the potential supervisor, candidates must complete the candidate questionnaire
• List of publications (if available)
• Copy of identity document
• Other relevant documents (optional)

Additional comments

The final admission score is based on:

• Master’s degree grade average
• motivation interview evaluation
• scientific experience and publications

 

Doctoral studies start in October 2026.

Website for additional job details

https://www.ftmc.lt/phd-admission-and-2026-research-topics/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Center for Physical Sciences and Technology

Country

Lithuania

State/Province

Lithuania

City

Kaunas

Street

Demokratų g. 53

Geofield

Contact

State/Province

Vilniaus

City

Vilnius

Website

https://www.ftmc.lt/

Street

Savanorių ave. 231

Postal Code

02300

E-Mail

admissions@ftmc.lt

STATUS: EXPIRED

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