Weight is a major obstacle in greening transport, as extra mass means extra energy use. Polymer composites offer lightweighting potential of 20-30%. However, current generation (thermoset) solutions are hard to recycle. Thermoplastic composite (TPC) components, instead, can be produced rapidly and recycled easily. Scaling up both the series size and the physical dimensions of the structures in a viable and sustainable way, however, poses a major challenge. While the manufacturing of individual parts is at a proper level of maturity, the integration and assembly of these parts is far less developed, particularly in fusion bonding (the preferred joining method). Failure of assembly implies scrapping the entire structure. This project is trying to resolve this problem, by establishing the scientific principles for a physics-based design and production system of advanced assembly and integration manufacturing methods of TPCs at an industrial scale.

Job description
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to join our research team. Your research focus will be on the development of stochastic multiscale approaches (micro-to-macro) describing nonlinear material behaviour (fracture propagation) by use of physics-based and data driven approach. The performance of integrated thermoplastic composite structures is critically dependent on the material and process parameters, which are indirectly extracted via typical lab-based experiments and process monitored in situ, respectively. On the other hand, the physics-based models describing manufacturing process and structural performance considered in this project are of nonlinear and multiscale nature. Therefore, you will be actively engaged in the development of online algorithms that can process both the computationally expensive physics based models and monitored data in a real time. The work will be done in collaboration with other groups within Perspectief programme (Participants: Airborne, Airbus, Aniform, Autodesk, Boeing, Boikon, Bosch, Cato, Composites NL, DSM, DTC, Engel, e?Xstream, GKN/Fokker, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, JLR, KVE, M2i, Province of Overijssel, SAM|XL, SET Europe, Solvay, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, TNO?BMC, Toray Advanced Composites, TPRC, University of Twente, University of Warwick, and Victrex).

• A PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering (nonlinear mechanics, computational mechanics or related), Computational Sciences in Engineering, Scientific Computing, or a related field.
• Proficient in written and oral English.
• Strong, proven programming skills in Python.
• The ability to operate at the intersection of various fields.
• A high degree of responsibility and independence, able to collaborate with colleagues, researchers, and other university staff.
• Experience with finite element libraries and numerical methods would further strengthen the application.

The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.

We offer:

• Excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities;
• An offer for a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School;
• A gross monthly salary of € 5.090,- max depending on education and experience;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits;

We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The UT is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and hardworking researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

The ET faculty is one of the five faculties of the UT. ET combines Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. The departments of the faculty cooperatively conduct the educational programmes and participate in interdisciplinary research projects, programmes and the research institutes, including Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centra and Digital Society Institute.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Please submit your application before May 31st, 2024 using the “Apply now” button, and include:

• A cover letter of at most 1 page A4, explaining specific interests, the motivation for the application, and why you qualify for this project.
• A full Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for at least two academic references
• Transcripts from your Bachelor and/or Master degrees
• Additional information about this position can be acquired from Bojana Rosic (b.rosic@utwente.nl).

Interviews will be held in week 24th of June.