Functional material structures (FMS), such as metamaterials, are macro components with a designed microstructure that form an intermediate between materials and devices and can be designed for functionality typically not found in nature. Contrary to natural materials, whose properties are mainly determined by their chemical composition, FMS derive their behaviour from a combination of material properties and structure. FMS that couple the interaction of shape and mechanical deformation with optical waves (such as photonic crystals) are of particular interest because of their potential application in communication, waveguides, signal processing, and sensing.

As a PhD candidate, you will investigate photonic material structures for the design of low-cost strain sensors. The project is a cooperation with leading industrial companies, active in the field of high tech systems. Your tasks include:

• Modelling for the design of photonic FMS and their reaction to deformations. You will be working with another PhD on the wave-structure interaction modelling.
• Design of the photonic FMS strain sensor for an industrial application setting.
• Realisation of industry-oriented demonstrators, including performance validation.
• Writing a doctoral dissertation, publishing results in renowned peer-reviewed journals, and presenting your research at international conferences.

You should have the following qualifications:
• MSc university degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or a related area with a solid background in mechanics.
• Preferentially, you have expertise in one of the knowledge areas relevant to this project: optics, metamaterials, or polymer micro/nanomanufacturing.
• Ability to do explorative, experimental work.
• Ability to deal with multi-domain modelling and design.
• Proven skills in teamwork and good communication skills.

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. The 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 graduateschool.tudelft.nl/ for more information.

For more information about this position, please contact dr.ir. J.F.L. Goosen, phone: +31 (0)15-2786500, e-mail: j.f.l.goosen@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV along with a letter of application by 15 November 2017 to: application-3mE@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number 3ME17-51.

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.

http://www.tudelft.nl

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) focuses on developing knowledge and methods for small, innovative high-precision devices and systems, such as precision equipment and scientific instrumentation for the high-tech industry. Increasing miniaturisation and function density, and improving precision, speed, and reliability are the key topics in our work. Our approach is multidisciplinary, fundamental, and inspired by industry needs.

The vacant position is in the Structural Optimisation and Mechanics (SOM) research group. This group investigates the combination of engineering mechanics and structural optimisation for application in precision systems as well as MEMS/NEMS. Research topics include advanced topology optimisation approaches for nonlinear and multidisciplinary problems, generalised Finite Element modelling, process modelling of Additive Manufacturing, the development of methods, and design and analysis of functional material structures and other highly integrated systems.