PhD Position Design, Modeling, and 3D Printing of Bio-based Meta-materials

Excited about sustainable design and 3D printing? Join us to develop innovative bio-waste materials using computational modeling and advanced fabrication for eco-friendly structures

Job description 

The Department of Biomechanical Engineering (BME) at Delft University of Technology (TUDelft) invites applications for a fully-funded PhD position on the EIC pathfinder project entitled "digital based bio-waste derived meta-PANels Towards A REvolutionary building Identity" (PANTAREI). The project explores the potential of bio-waste materials for energy-efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly construction solutions. The core research will focus on multi-scale modeling, digital prototyping, and validating advanced designs using additive manufacturing techniques. Therefore, we are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in computational modeling, design, and 3D printing for the development of innovative, sustainable bio-based materials.

Job requirements

We welcome applications for candidates fulfilling the following criteria:

• Must meet the entry requirements for PhD enrollment. They must hold a 2nd level Master Degree (120 ECTS + 180 ECTS in a bachelor degree) or a Single Cycle Degree (minimum 300 ECTS), or a comparable university degree (Second Cycle qualification) in biomechnical engineering, mechancial engineering, material science or related fields.
• Must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
• Are required to be profiecient in the English languague (if not native speaker). English proficiency of short-listed applications shall be assessed during the selection interview.
• Must be available to enroll full-time in the PhD programm at TU Delft.
• Must have strong background in biomechanics, material science, or bone biology.
• Must have strong background in computational modeling, especially Finite Element Method (FEM), and experience in software such as ABAQUS.
• Must have high-level programming skills, particularly in Python, for model development and process automation.
• Should have expertise in 3D printing technologies, especially related to bio-based materials as well as characterization techniques such imaging, and mechanical testing.
• Should have experience or knowledge of material design and topological optimization.
• Should have knowledge of sustainable materials.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment 

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact:

Dr. Mohammad J. Mirzaali, m.j.mirzaali@tudelft.nl, www.mjmirzaali.com

Dr. Lidy Fratila-Apachitei, e.l.fratila-apachitei@tudelft.nl,

Prof. Amir A. Zadpoor, a.a.zadpoor@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 5 December 2024 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Your CV. 
• Transcripts.
• Two reference contacts.
• Cover letter.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure.
  (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines)
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.