JOB DESCRIPTION

Soft matter such as polymers and hydrogels are increasingly central to applications in soft metamaterials and bio-implants. Yet, understanding their mechanics in real time remains a major challenge. Their behavior involves nonlinearities, viscous effects, and multiphysics coupling, which are difficult to capture in-situ with traditional methods. Typically, imaging is possible in such application, but full mechanical characterization is not.
Our vision is to change that. Working closely with chemists, we have developed mechanosensing chemistry that enables soft materials to “report” their internal stresses directly through imaging. In this PhD project, you will combine continuum mechanics, machine learning, experimental imaging, and mechanical testing to design and characterize self-sensing soft matter capable of revealing its mechanics from the inside out.

Your role:

• Develop experimental approaches for imaging-based characterization of soft matter.
• Apply and advance continuum mechanics and machine learning techniques to infer mechanical properties from imaging data.
• Integrate theory, computation, and hands-on experiments in a highly interdisciplinary setting.
• Collaborate across disciplines to push the boundaries of soft matter research.

What we offer:

• A 4-year fully funded PhD position at TU Delft.
• The opportunity to lead a pioneering project at the intersection of mechanics, materials, and machine learning.
• Collaboration with international experts from diverse disciplines.
• Access to cutting-edge computational and experimental facilities.
• Supervision of MSc researchers.
• Mentorship and career development support.

This position is jointly embedded in the research groups of Dr. Sid Kumar (Mechanics, Materials, and Computing group) and Dr. Georgy Filonenko (Functional Polymers and Sensors group).
Research group of Dr. Sid Kumar: Mechanics, Materials, and Computing group, https://www.mech-mat.com/.
Research group of Dr. Georgy Filonenko: Functional Polymers and Sensors group: www.tudelft.nl/me/over/afdelingen/materials-science-and-engineering/research/functional-polymers-and-sensors-fps-group.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in applied mechanics, mechanical engineering, materials science, aerospace engineering, physics, applied physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Experience in continuum solid mechanics.
• Experience with machine learning for scientific applications.
• Strong programming skills (e.g. Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Enthusiasm for hands-on experimental work (e.g., mechatronics).
• Familiarity with polymers or other soft materials.
• Drive to tackle interdisciplinary challenges and communicate across fields.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

• Develop experimental approaches for imaging-based characterization of soft matter.
• Apply and advance continuum mechanics and machine learning techniques to infer mechanical properties from imaging data.
• Integrate theory, computation, and hands-on experiments in a highly interdisciplinary setting.
• Collaborate across disciplines to push the boundaries of soft matter research