JOB DESCRIPTION

Modern design paradigmns can no longer rely on intuition, but instead on advanced comptational tools. We are particularly interested in mechanical metamaterials, which exhibit unusual mechanical behavior not found in nature by means of an engineered structure. For instance, metamaterials can be designed so that at bulk they have an effective negative Poisson’s ratio (auxetic metamaterials), or they attenuate waves with subwavelength structures (acoustic metamaterials). However, the creation of metamaterials with unusual fracture behavior is yet to be explored. The design of a new class of mechanical metamaterials with tailored fracture behavior could have a large set of applications, ranging from dissipative wearables to customized food. In fact, together with the University of Amsterdam (UvA), we recently pushed forward the first generation of edible metamaterials with tailored fracture, see BBC article.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be in charge of the design of the next generation of mechanical metamaterials by means of topology optimization. In this joint project with UvA, your tasks will include:

• Mastering concepts from fracture mechanics for both brittle and ductile materials and structural optimization (i.e., topology optimization).
• Extending our existing framework that uses topology optimization for designing metamaterial unit cells for fracture.
• Coordinating with the team at UvA for the realization of optimized prototypes and their validation with experiments.
• Helping with teaching activities, the supervision of students, and the writing of research proposals.
• Publishing in renowned computational journals, and presenting your research at international meetings.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

You should have the following qualifications:

• A strong background in computational mechanics, particularly fracture mechanics. Background in implementing the finite element method and topology optimization is also highly desired;
• A PhD degree in mechanical engineering (or a related area such as civil engineering, aerospace engineering, or applied mathematics);
• Programming experience (Python or a related language);
• Knowledge of optimization;
• Excellent communication skills (high level of English).

The following will make you stand out:

• Creative, open-minded and proactive researcher.
• Excellent analytical and programming skills.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 June 2025 upload the following documents:

• Your CV.
• A cover letter in which you describe your personal motivation and specific qualifications for this position (max 2 page).
• Your two articles that are the closest related to the job description.
• The names and contact details of three references.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Linda Verhaar, recruitment-me@tudelft.nl.

• Mastering concepts from fracture mechanics for both brittle and ductile materials and structural optimization (i.e., topology optimization).
• Extending our existing framework that uses topology optimization for designing metamaterial unit cells for fracture.
• Coordinating with the team at UvA for the realization of optimized prototypes and their validation with experiments.
• Helping with teaching activities, the supervision of students, and the writing of research proposals.
• Publishing in renowned computational journals, and presenting your research at international meetings