Postdoc Computational Design of Mechanical Metamaterials for Controlling Fracture

Passionate about designing materials with properties beyond nature? Join us in pioneering mechanical metamaterials that control fracture behavior! We're seeking a skilled Postdoc researcher to optimize metamaterial structures using computational tools like topology optimization and fracture mechanics.
 

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.

Computational Design and Mechanics

The Computational Design and Mechanics (CDM) section is part of the Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME)) within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineeringat TU Delft. CDM specializes in research and education at the intersection of computational design, mechanics, and advanced manufacturing. By leveraging cutting-edge computational techniques, CDM develops innovative methodologies for designing mechanical components and systems with enhanced functionalities. As part of CDM, you’ll collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including highly regarded professors in computational mechanics, topology optimization, and digital design. CDM maintains strong collaborations with industry partners to ensure the practical application and relevance of its research.

CDM’s research infrastructure includes state-of-the-art facilities, advanced simulation tools, and access to high-performance computing resources. These enable students and researchers to pioneer novel solutions for challenges in precision engineering, material design, and multifunctional mechanical systems. Beyond technical training, CDM fosters an innovative and collaborative research environment, encouraging knowledge exchange through international conferences, industry partnerships, and professional development opportunities.

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.

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 

• Duration of contract is 2,5 years.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  . 

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Alejandro M. Aragón, phone: +31 (0)15 278 22 67, e-mail: a.m.aragon@tudelft.nl. 

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 June 2025 via the application button and 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.

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.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.