Postdoc Researcher in Metamaterial-based Mitigation of Low-Frequency Railway Vibrations

Job description 

TU Delft, in collaboration with ProRail and Cohere Consultants, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the WaveGuard project — an ambitious initiative funded by TKI-HTSM. The project aims to develop a new generation of mitigation measures for low-frequency ground vibrations induced by railway traffic, using nonlinear and spatially varying metamaterials.

Despite decades of research, low-frequency railway vibrations (4–20 Hz) remain a persistent challenge, affecting both nearby residents and sensitive infrastructure. WaveGuard explores how advanced engineered materials can control, redirect, or damp these vibrations more efficiently than conventional solutions such as trenches or damping layers.

A crucial aspect of this position is the design and realization of a dedicated laboratory test setup. The postdoctoral researcher will take the lead in conceiving, building, and instrumenting a modular soil flume to experimentally validate the proposed metamaterial concept. This setup will serve as the cornerstone for the project’s proof-of-concept experiments in the second half of the appointment, providing the first empirical demonstration of the WaveGuard system.

In addition to experimental work, the postdoc will contribute to the numerical design and optimization of the metamaterial system using dedicated tools such as STEM, ensuring that the lab-scale tests and models reinforce each other.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in vibration and wave dynamics, metamaterials, and/or soil–structure interaction, and proven skills in experimental design and testing as well as numerical modelling (e.g., FEM). Experience with railway dynamics, soil mechanics, or nonlinear systems will be considered an asset. This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge fundamental research and hands-on experimentation, contributing to the development of sustainable, low-vibration railway infrastructure for the future.

The research will be carried out within the Dynamics of Solids and Structures section at TU Delft, in close collaboration with ProRail and Cohere Consultants, linking cutting-edge research with practical railway applications.

The Dynamics of Solids and Structures section is part of the Department of Engineering Structures that focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Our aim is to meet societal demands in transportation, the energy transition and sustainable reuse. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Our unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full-scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers both groundbreaking research and world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. As a team, we represent different backgrounds, skills and views. We foster an inclusive culture, as our combined identities, attitudes and ambitions widen our perspective and make up our strengths. 

Job requirements 

The candidate must be able to independently conduct advanced research that combines experimental and computational approaches and should demonstrate the following qualifications:

• A PhD in a field related to Linear or Nonlinear Structural Dynamics, Wave Propagation, Soil Dynamics, or Experimental Dynamics, within Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or Applied Physics.
• Proven experience in experimental research, including the design and realization of laboratory setups, instrumentation, and data acquisition and analysis.
• Demonstrable experience in developing analytical and numerical models for dynamic systems (e.g. FEM, multiphysics simulations, etc.).
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and inventive skills, with the ability to translate fundamental concepts into practical designs.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and international teams.
• A track record of scientific publication in relevant fields and an interest in mentoring MSc students are considered strong assets.

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 of Civil Engineering and Geosciences 

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.