Postdoc Metamaterials for Flow Control

MetaWing: Explore the interface between Metamaterials and Laminar Flow Control  

Job description

About the project:

The MetaWing project explores a new disruptive concept for flow control, first born in classical wave physics: Metamaterials. These are engineered composite structures, invoking dispersive wave phenomena to gain exotic properties that go beyond what is considered possible in Nature. A key property is the bandgap, a range in which waves are suppressed when interacting with the Metamaterial. Our team recently found key evidence of dispersive wave suppression in boundary layers. However, wave-like flow instabilities have key differences from classical waves, forming a new regime of dispersive wave interactions. Thus, the nature of bandgaps in boundary layer flows remains unclear and unexplored. 

The main objective of this project is to explore, identify and use Metamaterial-derived bandgaps for the control of transitional airflows.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Postdoctoral researcher to join our team. We will work towards understanding of the formation of bandgaps in transitional fluid flows and using them to suppress wave-like boundary layer instabilities, thus delaying laminar-turbulent transition. The work will encompass theoretical and numerical modelling, necessary to couple boundary layer stability and Metamaterials. Flow stability analysis tools available in our team can be used, including Orr-Sommerfeld solvers, linear/non-linear Parabolised Stability Equations and our non-linear Harmonic Navier-Stokes solver. Boundary and in-domain conditions will be modified to model the effect of Metamaterials on instabilities. There is an opportunity to validate the coupled using Direct Numerical Simulations, through a variety of in-house solvers.

About the team:

We are a young, international, and diverse team of colleagues in the vicinity of the newly founded chair of Flow Control. We approach problems in a horizontal “team spirit” and continuously traverse boundaries between theory, simulations, and experiments towards understanding and controlling fluid flows. In our team, we strive for a cocreative and stimulating environment where we can develop our skills as a scientist, team member and teacher. We place great emphasis on a collegial working environment where everyone is welcome and encouraged to shape their own research track. We like to know about everyone’s research project and try to help and learn from each other’s problems to boost our scientific and personal growth. We also enjoy many team-building activities and events where you will get to know your teammates in a different environment, sharing personal life experiences and having a great time outside of the lab!

Accessibility: 

Almost 90% of our laboratory and offices are wheelchair accessible, including all wind tunnel facilities. If you’d have any specific concerns about accessibility, please don’t hesitate to contact us (see below for contact information).

Requirements

The candidates (m/f/x) should meet the following requirements:

• PhD degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, applied physics or applied mathematics. 
• Background and affinity in fluid mechanics (e.g. PhD/MSc thesis on a fluids-related topic)
• Good track record in BSc and MSc degrees
• Proficiency in the English language, both oral     

TU Delft

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 Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 32-40 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
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof. Marios Kotsonis, via m.kotsonis@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 11 June 2025 via the application button and upload the following three PDFs:

Pdf 1 must include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter (max 1 page)

Pdf 2 must include:

• Contact information of two references (if desired, support letters can be attached, but they are not needed at this phase of the recruitment).
• Full transcripts of M.Sc. degree and PhD degree in English. In case the transcripts are in another language, please include a translation (certified translation is not needed).

Pdf 3 must include:

• A sample of your scientific research output. This can be (part of) your MSc/PhD dissertation, or a research paper, in which you demonstrate the quality of your research.

Your motivation letter should include, at least, the following:

• Examples of projects and achievements that demonstrate your relevant competences;
• Your motivation for applying to this position;
• Your motivation for working in an academic environment.

 After the first selection process, video interviews will be arranged. You can address your application to Prof. Marios Kotsonis.

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.