Transport device for receiving and fixing a sample container and for transporting the sample container between pre-analytical, analytical and/or post-analytical stations of a laboratory automation system, the transport device comprising: - at least one magnetically active element, which is configured to interact with a magnetic field generated by means of at least one electromagnetic actuator such that a driving force is applied to the transport device, and - a holding unit, comprising: - a chuck having a number of jaws (22, 24), - wherein the jaws (22, 24) extend radially inwardly from an outer edge, wherein a receiving area for the sample container is formed between the jaws (22, 24), and - wherein at least one jaw of the jaws (22, 24) is formed from an electrically contractile material and is electrically contacted in such a way that a control voltage and/or a control current can be applied to the electrically contractile material, wherein the at least one jaw formed from electrically contractile material contracts radially outwardly thereby expanding the receiving area when the control current and/or the control voltage is applied. - at least one magnetically active element, which is configured to interact with a magnetic field generated by means of at least one electromagnetic actuator such that a driving force is applied to the transport device, and - a holding unit, comprising: - a chuck having a number of jaws (22, 24), - wherein the jaws (22, 24) extend radially inwardly from an outer edge, wherein a receiving area for the sample container is formed between the jaws (22, 24), and - wherein at least one jaw of the jaws (22, 24) is formed from an electrically contractile material and is electrically contacted in such a way that a control voltage and/or a control current can be applied to the electrically contractile material, wherein the at least one jaw formed from electrically contractile material contracts radially outwardly thereby expanding the receiving area when the control current and/or the control voltage is applied. - a chuck having a number of jaws (22, 24), - wherein the jaws (22, 24) extend radially inwardly from an outer edge, wherein a receiving area for the sample container is formed between the jaws (22, 24), and - wherein at least one jaw of the jaws (22, 24) is formed from an electrically contractile material and is electrically contacted in such a way that a control voltage and/or a control current can be applied to the electrically contractile material, wherein the at least one jaw formed from electrically contractile material contracts radially outwardly thereby expanding the receiving area when the control current and/or the control voltage is applied. - wherein the jaws (22, 24) extend radially inwardly from an outer edge, wherein a receiving area for the sample container is formed between the jaws (22, 24), and - wherein at least one jaw of the jaws (22, 24) is formed from an electrically contractile material and is electrically contacted in such a way that a control voltage and/or a control current can be applied to the electrically contractile material, wherein the at least one jaw formed from electrically contractile material contracts radially outwardly thereby expanding the receiving area when the control current and/or the control voltage is applied.