Postdoc on Nonlinear Oscillators

Nonlinear Nanomechnaical Oscillators

Nanomechanical resonators made of two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, have been long believed to be the devices of choice for high-performance force and mass measurement. The limit of detection, defined as the smallest frequency shift that can be resolved with these devices, is intrinsically linked with frequency fluctuations which is one of the least understood problems in nanomechanical sensing. Many different mechanisms have been proposed as the underlying root cause of frequency fluctuations, among which the role of nonlinearities has been the least known. In this project, our goal is to engineer resonant sensors with optimal frequency stability. To achieve this, we plan to use nonlinear dynamic phenomena such as internal resonance to quench noise and enhance the stability of the 2D sensors. The project will combine theoretical and experimental nonlinear dynamics and will focus on fabrication, testing, and characterization of 2D nonlinear oscillators to tame frequency noise and obtain breakthrough nanomechanical performance.

The vacant position is in the Dynamics of Micro and Nanosystems (DMN) group. The group focuses on exploiting dynamics of small-scale systems to create technologies that can lead to new products in the fields of scientific instrumentation, consumer electronics and healthcare. Our research spans from measuring and manipulating materials at the micro and nano scale, to the design of world-class MEMS and NEMS sensors and actuators.

You will be working in an international environment in one of the leading technical universities of Europe, with access to state-of-the art micro-nano testing facilities and advanced numerical modelling tools. You will be contributing to a challenging topic related to a European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator grant together with a team of 3 PhD students and 2 postdocs.

As a postdoctoral researcher your tasks will include:

• Developing on an existing optomechanical platform for investigating nonlinear dynamics of 2D materials
• Coordinating the work of related PhD and MSc projects
• Publishing in renowned journals and presenting your research at international meetings
• Helping with securing funding for the continuation of the research

Website and References for further reading: https://www.tudelft.nl/staff/f.alijani/

We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

• PhD university degree in physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or a related area,
• A good publication record,
• High motivation for teamwork and good communication skills,
• Prior experimental experience in micro or nanoresonators, oscillators or resonant sensors,
• Experience in experimental nonlinear dynamics or optomechanics is a plus.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: € 4.036 - € 5.090 per month gross). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service . This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

This position is a temporary assignment for 24 months.

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!

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here  to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos  will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr Farbod Alijani ([email protected] ).

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 15 April 2024 via the application button and upload your motivation letter, CV, and provide names and email addresses of 2 references.

Only selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Linda Verhaar, HR Advisor ([email protected] ).

Notes:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.