The Faculty of Engineering Technology at the University of Twente is currently seeking to appoint female full professor in the area of Multibody Dynamics of Flexible Systems. The position contributes to work in the Department of Biomechanical Engineering, in the area of the control of (soft) robotic systems, and the Department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces and Systems, in the area of nonlinear structural dynamics. The chair will be positioned in the Department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces and Systems but the two Departments work very closely together.

The challenge
Modern multibody systems increasingly utilize flexible structures to replace hinges or to safely interact with the environment (i.e. a human operator). The dynamic behaviour of these flexible, inherently non-linear structures becomes increasingly complex; safe implementation and control requires accurate and fast simulation models. This is only possible with effective model reduction methods.

This research chair aims to develop techniques to evaluate and simulate the dynamic behaviour of flexible systems that may include intrinsic nonlinearities such as plasticity and interact with other objects and the environment (e.g. air, fluid). Application areas are (soft) robotics, precision engineering, digital twins of manufacturing systems, wind turbines and offshore design. 

Working in close cooperation with the other professors in the Faculty and Department, the candidate will play a leading and inspiring role in strengthen and broaden our fundamental research portfolio and teaching programs in mechanical and biomedical engineering. As such, applicants will be selected based on their potential to initiate and lead novel scientific research, develop and contribute to modern educational programs and invest in international networks. Thus, the successful appointee will be expected to:

• be an outstanding scientist within the field of nonlinear structural dynamics and complementary to the ongoing research at the University of Twente, with an affinity for biomedical engineering;
• have a clear and inspiring vision on the future development of the field;
• have a passion for teaching and for developing education that cultivate student-learning (You hold a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) for Dutch Universities, a similar qualification, or are willing to obtain this);
• be an excellent and inspiring teacher and coach, with a proven capability of leading a multi-disciplinary team;
• be actively involved in the relevant academic networks and able to engage with both science and industry;
• be able to demonstrate a track record in successfully obtaining grant funding;
• have strong communication skills in English.

Application and information

An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver to assist the recruitment committee. Applications should consist of a covering letter explaining motivation and qualifications for the position and a full curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.

Perrett Laver may be contacted for informal enquiries and questions about the post on +31 (0)20 2409341 or robert.prettner@perrettlaver.com. Applications can be uploaded at www.perrettlaver.com/candidates, quoting reference number 4306. The closing date for applications is 9am CET on 18th October 2019.

Applications will be considered by the recruitment committee and preliminarily shortlisted candidates will subsequently be invited for informal conversations with the University, after which a formal shortlist of candidates will be invited for interview and campus visits. Selection of and negotiations with the preferred candidate will take place thereafter.

Please note that this vacancy is only open to female scientists. This is part of the University of Twente’s strategy to increase the proportion of women among its faculty and to create a working environment that is diverse and inclusive and supportive of excellence in research and teaching.

The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda.

We offer you:

• A full-time tenured position as Professor with a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
• An international work environment, with colleagues from many different countries from all over the world.
• Excellent research facilities.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8,3%.
• A solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 29 holidays in case of fulltime employment.
• Possibilities to save up holidays for sabbatical leave.
• Professional and personal development programs.
• A family friendly institution, offering support for (the careers of) partners and family.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over six faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) is one of the five faculties of the University of Twente. ET combines Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. Our faculty has approximately 1800 bachelor and master students, 400 employees and 150 PhD candidates. The departments of the faculty cooperatively conduct the educational programmes and participate in interdisciplinary research projects, programmes and the research institutes: MIRA, CTIT, SBE and IGS.