We are looking for a PhD candidate to perform theoretical and experimental research in the field of wave dynamics of solids and additively manufactured materials. The research focuses on analysis of structured elastic materials capable of manipulating acoustic waves (of kHz and MHz frequencies). Such materials, also known as phononic materials, expand the property space of available materials and open forward-thinking opportunities for multiple applications. The main research objectives will be (1) to develop phononic materials with broadband dynamic functionalities and (2) to understand the relationship between topology and material properties at micro and macro levels.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):
• design of new material configurations suitable for specific application conditions
• experimental and numerical characterization of material microstructure.

You should have:
• a master degree in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science or equivalent disciplines
• skilled experience in computational dynamics or experimental material characterization (preferable)
• willingness to explore new research directions and “mechanical intuition” will be favourable.

We are searching for someone with an interest for both the fundamental and applied aspects of research. You will work within a team in a multidisciplinary research environment. This forms the right platform to grow into a researcher who is able to organise research results in high-quality publications and present them to specialized and broader audiences. Thus, the ability to communicate research results and a very good knowledge of English are of importance.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:
• a salary of € 2,325 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 2,972 gross per month in the fourth and final year
• a full-time position (1.0 FTE)
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance.

The position has a duration to a period of 4 years. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

You will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that you successfully complete your PhD thesis within the next three years.

How to apply

Do you meet the qualification criteria? If yes, your application should include:
• a letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
• a curriculum vitae
• a list of publications (if any)
• recommendation letter(s)
• a certification of the English language proficiency.

Please submit your application until 29 August 11.59 pm / before 30 August 2019 Dutch local time (CEST) by clicking on button “Apply” below and filling in the application form.

The interviews will be performed in September 2019.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our University. We are committed to building a diverse faculty so you are encouraged to apply. Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP), https://nvp-plaza.nl/download/?id=7714 and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers, https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and creative institution of higher education offering high-quality guiding and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines support the 31,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, we join efforts with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

The Computational Mechanical and Materials Engineering (CMME) group of the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG) is active in various research fields including advanced materials, energy and systems complexity, manufacturing of complex materials. Our research mainly focuses on (meta-) material design, modeling methods and tools, and engineering systems, ranging from the atomistic world up to the scale of mechanical devices and systems of devices. ENTEG seeks at performing excellent research and guiding directed at the integration of fundamental and engineering sciences.