We are looking for a PhD candidate with an interest in materials science and physics for research on composite materials for ultrasound applications. The ultrasound application which has our interest is haptic feedback by constructive interference of ultrasound waves through air, creating a sensation of touch. This might form the basis of future man-machine interface systems. The researcher will work on making new composite materials and evaluating their electrical properties. The testing of the ultrasound capabilities of these materials is also to be investigated. Finally, the researcher is expected to make independent contributions to planned scientific publications and presenting the results from this project to the outside world.

Candidates should have an interest and preferably some experience in materials science and an interest in physics. Such expertise should have been obtained in an MSc programme leading to a degree in chemistry, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, chemical engineering, applied physics or a similar field. Experience with ultrasound technology will be an asset. While we guarantee active supervision, we expect candidates to have the ability to work independently and to be self-motivated. Given the nature of the project and our research culture, good communication skills and the ability to work individually as well as in a team are important pre-requisites.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. 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. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

For more information, please contact Prof. Pim Groen, phone: +31 (0)15-2781607, e-mail: w.a.groen@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV and letter of application by 1 October 2017 to Ms. S. P. Visser, s.p.visser@tudelft.nl. 
When applying, please refer to vacancy number LR17-33.
If your MSc diploma and transcript are not in Dutch, English, French or German and you will be the selected candidate, the TU Delft will ask you to deliver a certified translation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. The TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At the TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Aerospace Engineering

The Aerospace Structures and Materials Department (ASM) in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering is a world leader in the design of new materials, (hybrid) material combinations, and structural concepts for aerospace applications. The three sections in the department, Novel Aerospace Materials (NovAM), Aerospace Structures and Computational Mechanics (ASCM) and Structural Integrity and Composites (SIC) and their Structures and Materials Laboratory (DASML) focus on complementary aspects and work synergistically towards their common goal of new lightweight technologies for the aerospace industry.

Novel Aerospace Materials (NovAM) specialises in the design and development of new materials for aerospace and other high-tech applications. Our research covers metals, polymers, self-healing materials and SMART materials. In our SMART materials research we work on functional composites based on piezoelectric filler particles inside a polymer matrix. These composites can be used for sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting.