We are looking for an enthusiastic post-doc candidate with an interest in the fundamental and applied research to work on an interdisciplinary project aimed at developing novel mechanical metamaterials and flexible/wearable electronic sensors and integrating them together into functional devices. The combination of metamaterials, which extend the limits on material and mechanical properties, with advanced flexible electronic sensors with skin-like tactile sensing functionality will deliver more comprehensive and accurate tactile information enabling to manipulate complex-shaped and delicate objects.

To implement these ideas, we expect that the candidate will be strongly motivated to work at the borders of two rapidly developing fields – mechanical metamaterials and flexible/wearable electronic sensors and have a proven expertise at least in one field. The candidates with experimental skills will have the highest priority; experience in modelling by using finite-element packages is a big plus. The ability to work in a group and a very good knowledge of English are a must.

The candidate should have:

- a PhD degree in any area related to the mentioned fields. Preferably, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Electronic Engineering
- publications in high-quality journals
- experience with 3D printing sensors, printed electronics, lithographic microfabrication, functional devices and IoT
- basic knowledge of computational techniques
- independent, proactive work ethics
- willingness to explore new research directions and “mechanical intuition” will be a plus.

The successful candidate will work in an international team in a multidisciplinary research environment and will be embedded into the Computational Materials and Mechanical Engineering group (under the guidance of dr. Anastasiia O. Krushynska) and the Bioinspired MEMS and Biomedical Devices group (under the guidance of Prof. dr. Ajay G.P. Kottapalli).

Fixed-term contract: 24 months.

We offer in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities

- a salary, depending on qualifications and work experience, between € 3,226 and € 5,090 (salary scale 10 Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities) gross per month
- a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
- an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
- a temporary 1 FTE appointment for a specified period of 2 years
- excellent work-life balance.