PhD on leveraging morphology for design of complex materials for 4D printing

Department(s)

Mechanical Engineering

Reference number

V35.5710

We are looking for a PhD candidate for a four-year research project on modelling and simulations of the morphology of soft permeable particles for 4D printing applications. In this project, you will implement the shape of soft permeable particles in a particle-based Brownian Dynamics computational framework, develop tools to characterize non-spherical interacting permeable particles, and investigate the effect of shape dynamics on the mechanical behavior of soft permeable particle suspensions.

JobDescription
Complex matter offers ample opportunity for design of new material and new industrial techniques such as 4D printing. Soft colloidal suspensions, in particular, can be used as smart building blocks for responsive materials – their size and their ability to swell and deform in response to different stimuli enables their integration in emerging applications at the micro and nanoscales. However, full control over their properties remains an experimental challenge, for instance common classification of soft colloidal particles is based on elasticity but ignores permeability. While synthesis of long-sought colloidal architectures is possible, autonomous shape-dependent assemblies of multi-particle systems remains an engineering challenge. To this end, mesoscale models provide the versatility demanded to study efficiently both their shape and size dynamics independently. Dynamic simulation of soft ellipsoids can reveal a richer phase diagram than hard spheres or hard ellipsoidal system, with dynamics playing a fateful role. The goal of this project is, hence, to investigate the effect of shape and size dynamics of interacting soft permeable colloidal particles on the mechanical behavior of suspensions designed for 4D printing.

We are looking for an experienced candidate with a MSc degree (or about to obtain one soon) in mechanical engineering, applied physics, applied mathematics or similar. The candidate should have knowledge of continuum mechanics and numerical methods combined with strong programming and mathematical skills and a good physical intuition. Experience with rheology or multi-scale modelling are a plus. The ideal candidate has excellent scientific skills as well as excellent soft skills related to verbal and written communication (in English).

• We offer a challenging job for four years in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. You will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together. The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world and part of the European technology hotspot ‘Brainport Eindhoven’, well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.
• We offer you a salary of a minimum of € 2.443,- in the first year and a maximum of € 3.122,- gross per month in the final year.
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities. Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• According to the TU/e terms of employment, a payment of 8% of your annual salary as holiday pay applies, which is paid out in May.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program ).
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.

More information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact
dr. Monica E. A. Zakhari, (m.e.a.zakhari[at]tue.nl).

Please visit www.tue.nl/jobs to find out more about working at TU/e!

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page.
The application should include a:

• cover letter (max 1 page) in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• brief description of your MSc thesis.
• grade list for your BSc and MSc grades and a brief summary of your MSc thesis.
• list of references with full contact information (including the supervisors of your final BSc and final MSc projects).

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening will continue until the position has been filled. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Promising candidates will be contacted by email. Starting date of the position is as soon as possible.