This position is part of the Horizon Europe funded D-STANDART project. In this project we aim to reduce the time and cost to characterise the fatigue and durability properties of large composite structures with arbitrary lay-ups. Together with the project partners we will develop novel experimental methodologies and combine these with multi-scale, AI-assisted modelling to predict the fatigue life of full-scale structures. This position will contribute to the experimental part of this project. In particular it will be focused on understanding the effects of fiber orientation and of environmental exposure on delamination growth.

In this position you will be expected to independently perform scientific research into fatigue of composite materials. Your activities will include creating a detailed test plan in coordination with the other project partners, manufacturing specimens, conducting fatigue tests, and finally analysing and disseminating the results. Dissemination should occur both towards the other project partners, and to the wider community via conferences and academic journal articles. You will also be expected to contribute to the development of an industry focused training workshop and to assist in project management and administration. This may include participation in consortium meetings with other project partners.

The other partners in the D-STANDART project are the NLR, Universiteit Twente, University of Bristol, the NCC, iCOMAT, MSC Software, L-up, and Suzlon. You will be jointly supervised by John-Alan Pascoe of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Yasmine Mosleh of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences. Your appointment will be with the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

• You have a PhD degree on a relevant topic related to e.g. aerospace, mechanical, materials, or structural engineering. Candidates who have submitted but not yet defended their thesis will also be considered.
• You have experience with mechanical testing, and preferably with fatigue testing of composite materials.
• You are capable of indenpendently planning and executing a test campaign.
• You seek to develop yourself (further) as an independent researcher.
• You understand the context of your work and are capable of communicating its value not just to other scientists, but also to industrial partners and non-experts.
• You are curious about fatigue of composites and are excited by the opportunity to discover more about the underlying physics of this phenomenon.
• You are able to identify when you do not yet posses all skills or knowledge needed to complete a task, and proactively seek to acquire them if needed.

Fixed-term contract: 34 maanden.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount 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. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

The position has a fixed-term contract of 34 months.

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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Department

The Department of Aerospace Materials and Structures is dedicated to research on and development of structures and materials. The department consists of multiple groups that together cover the range from fundamental material science to full-scale structural component testing. The department has a strong expertise in the development and application of optical and ultrasonic instrumentation and monitoring systems and the related signal processing and modelling.