The Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering at Delft University of Technology is seeking to appoint one high-calibre Early Stage Researcher (ESR) to join the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network - European Industrial Doctorate ‘LIGHTEN - Ultralight membrane structures towards a sustainable environment’.

About LIGHTEN: Building construction industry is the largest anthropogenic source of pollution with massive energy consumption and vast CO2 emission. Novel fully recyclable and low-carbon structural membranes offer a green alternative to glass and other transparent cladding materials used in lightweight buildings, resulting in significant weight savings in the structures and drastically reducing the environmental impact. The remarkably incomplete scientific and technological understanding of the thermomechanical behaviour of such innovative structural skins requires the development of engineering models capable of predicting their performances and allowing their rational use in ultralightweight buildings with enhanced energy efficiency and resilience. The EU-funded LIGHTEN project aims to educate and train a new generation of highly qualified scientists and engineers to become experts in advanced design methods for sustainable construction. Experimental characterisation, modeling, computer simulation and structural design will constitute the education of the researchers within an integrated doctoral program supervised by industrial and academic partners.

The Role: ESR5 will be enrolled on the PhD programme in Materials Science and Engineering at Delft University of Technology (TUD) and employed on a fixed-term contract at Delft University of Technology. The ESR will perform research on the “Data-driven design and optimisation of building skins and lightweight structures”, supervised by Assistant Professor Miguel A. Bessa at TUD and by Dr Massimo Penasa at CAEmate Srl.

• A university Master of Science degree in mechanical/aerospace/civil engineering, materials science, physics or a related area.
• Experience with the finite element method, machine learning or topology optimization would be a plus.
• Good verbal, written and presentation skills in English, and certainly proficient in programming.
• A team-player who excels in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Self-starter with initiative and ability to setup, organise and execute your research.
• An affinity with teaching and guiding students.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Mobility Requirement
At the time of recruitment by the TU Delft, the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.