Responsibilities:- Research and characterize mechanical and physical properties of hair (natural and synthetic)
- Develop solutions for gripping, guiding, detangling, and controlling flexible fibers
- Design and evaluate materials, coatings, and surface interactions for optimal performance and durability
- Define safe operating thresholds (tension, force, heat) to prevent breakage and discomfort
- Build and run experiments and test systems to validate material performance
- Collaborate with mechanical, robotics, and software engineers to integrate into product systems
- Translate research into scalable, production-ready solutions
Requirements:- PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Textile Engineering, Polymer Science, Soft Robotics, or related field
- Experience working with fibers, textiles, polymers, thin-rod structures, soft materials, or deformable materials
- Strong understanding of material characterization and mechanical behavior
- Significant, demonstrated hands-on experience with originalexperimental design and testing
Desired Skills & Experience (optional but the more, the better)- Experience with robotic manipulation of soft or flexible materials
- Background in soft robotics, or soft materials
- Familiarity with biological fibers (e.g., hair, keratin-based materials)
- Experience with modeling, simulation, or animation tools
Working Style:- Low ego, adaptable, and collaborative spirit
- Excited to learn through fast-paced iteration and user feedback
- Passionate, driven by innovation
- Self-starter, takes ownership and drives work forward independently
- Excellent communication, an ability to concisely convey and discuss complex ideas
Benefits of Working with Us:- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 100% medical premium coverage
- Meaningful equity
- 12 company holidays and unlimited PTO
- Company subsidized parking or commute for onsite employees
Onsite WorkThis is an onsite position at our office/lab in Cambridge, MA. You must have authorization to work in the US.
Don't Meet Every Requirement?If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align with every single part of the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.
