🤖 Fully Funded MSc and PhD Positions in Soft Robotic Rehabilitation Systems – Istanbul Medipol University, Turkey | Spring 2026 Intake

If you’re passionate about robotics, biomedical systems, or rehabilitation engineering, this is your opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge, TÜSEB-funded research project in Turkey. The Living Robotics Laboratory at Istanbul Medipol University is now accepting applications for fully funded MSc and PhD positions starting in Spring 2026.

Led by Asst. Prof. Elif Hocaoglu, this multidisciplinary research initiative focuses on soft robotic rehabilitation systems for hand and wrist recovery — a pioneering field blending robotics, neuroscience, and patient-specific therapy.

🧠 Project Overview: What Is the Soft Robotic Rehabilitation PhD Turkey Opportunity?

This TÜSEB-supported project aims to develop a personalized, modular rehabilitation system to restore motor function of the hand and wrist through synergy-based motor training. The approach enables gradual and user-specific therapy to promote active engagement of forearm and hand muscles, significantly improving daily life independence in patients recovering from stroke or tendon-related injuries.

The final system will be designed, built, and validated on healthy participants and later tested with patients to ensure clinical applicability.

🎯 Research Focus Areas

Applicants will contribute to research in:

• 🤖 Soft robotics for upper limb rehabilitation
• 🔁 Human-in-the-loop control strategies
• 🧩 Multimodal sensor integration and fusion
• 🔌 Modular electromechanical design + EtherCAT communication
• 🧪 Robotic system development + clinical translation

This makes the program ideal for engineers who are eager to apply their skills in healthcare and human-centered robotics.

🧑‍🔬 Who Is Leading the Research?

This initiative is led by Asst. Prof. Elif Hocaoglu, Director of the Living Robotics Laboratory, Istanbul Medipol University. The research is supported by:

• 🧑‍🏫 Hilal Bostancı (Ankara Medipol University)
• 👨‍⚕️ Assoc. Prof. Emre Hocaoglu (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Istanbul University)
• 🧑‍⚕️ Assoc. Prof. Devrim Taraçlı (Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University)

These leaders form a multidisciplinary team integrating engineering, rehabilitation science, and clinical research.

👩‍🎓 Who Can Apply?

The Living Robotics Laboratory is seeking highly motivated MSc and PhD students to work full-time and on-site in Istanbul, Turkey, starting Spring 2026.

📚 Preferred Background:

• 🎓 BSc/MSc in Mechatronics Engineering (top priority)
• 🎓 Degrees in Mechanical Engineering (robotics/control), or Biomedical / Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• 📊 Strong knowledge in:
  • Electromechanical systems
  • Robotics
  • Control theory

💻 Required Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Ansys, MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++
• Experience with 3D CAD modeling
• Familiarity with sensor fusion, EtherCAT, and real-time systems

💰 Scholarship Funding & Benefits

The Soft Robotic Rehabilitation PhD Turkey program is fully funded by TÜSEB (Health Institutes of Türkiye), with competitive financial and academic support.

🎓 Funding Includes:

• 💸 PhD stipend: ₺40,500/month (approx. USD $1,250)
• 💰 MSc stipend: ₺3,600/month
• 🍽️ Free daily meals
• 🏠 Discounted student housing at Medipol campus
• 🧪 Access to cutting-edge labs and clinical collaboration
• 🌍 Multidisciplinary exposure to robotics, biomechanics, and medical technologies

📥 Application Process

Applicants must submit the following documents via email for initial evaluation:

1. 📄 Updated CV (with links to relevant works and academic transcripts)
2. ✍️ Statement of Purpose (SOP)
3. (Optional) ALES, TOEFL, YDS scores

📧 Application Email:

Send all documents to Asst. Prof. Elif Hocaoglu:
📩 ehocaoglu [at] medipol.edu.tr

If you want any help regarding your application, you can contact us at scholarshipwithaakash@gmail.com

🌐 Useful Links

• 🔬 Lab Website – Living Robotics Lab
• 📝 Application Portal – Medipol University Graduate Admissions

📌 Why Choose Istanbul Medipol University?

Located in the vibrant and historical city of Istanbul, Medipol University is a leading research institution in Türkiye, offering:

• 🚀 Advanced robotics and biomedical labs
• 🌍 International collaborations with top Turkish and European universities
• 👩‍⚕️ Access to Medipol’s hospital network for clinical research
• 🧠 Mentorship from industry-recognized robotics experts
• 🏛️ A dynamic student environment in one of the world’s most iconic cities

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Is the PhD position fully funded?

✅ Yes, the PhD and MSc positions are fully funded by TÜSEB, with generous stipends and additional benefits.

❓ What is the monthly stipend for PhD students?

💸 PhD students receive ₺40,500/month, one of the highest stipends in the region.

❓ Is on-campus housing available?

🏠 Yes, Medipol offers discounted student housing, plus free daily meals.

❓ When does the program start?

📆 The research project starts in Spring 2026. Early applications are recommended.

❓ Can international students apply?

🌍 Yes, the lab encourages both Turkish and international candidates with relevant backgrounds to apply.

🗓️ Deadline & Timeline

There is no fixed deadline listed, but applications are accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

📢 Apply early to maximize your chances and secure your visa and accommodation in time for the Spring 2026 start!

🧩 Conclusion: Why You Should Apply

This is a rare opportunity to join a fully funded MSc/PhD program at the intersection of robotics, rehabilitation, and healthcare. You’ll work with experts in soft robotics and motor recovery, gain hands-on lab experience, and contribute to technology that directly improves patient lives.

If you’re passionate about mechatronics, sensor systems, human-machine interaction, or clinical robotics, this program at Istanbul Medipol University is tailored for you.

🚀 Don’t wait! Apply now and launch your career in robotic rehabilitation systems.

🧑‍🎓 Author Bio

Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen is an international education advisor and researcher specializing in engineering, healthcare, and fully funded graduate programs. He curates the world’s top PhD and MSc opportunities for aspiring global scholars.

Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.

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