Assistant Professor in Hybrid-Metallic Structures

Introduction

Do you have an interest in combining individual materials to design and optimize multi-material structures? Are you fascinated by the mechanical performance of metals and structures? Are you inspired by contributing to sustainability goals? Then please consider this Assistant Professor vacancy.

Job Description

Modern structures ask for strong, yet light, and ductile materials, to cope with increasing structural demands. At the same time, structures should contribute to circularity and sustainability goals. This combination of properties is not often found in single materials. You, as an Assistant Professor in hybrid-metallic structures, will focus on the development, characterization, and implementation of hybrid and composite structural systems, where dissimilar metals are combined through advanced fabrication technologies, or where a metal structure is combined with other materials (bio-based, polymers, high-performance concrete) to achieve enhanced performance, reduced environmental impact, or extended service life.

Your contribution to research

You will develop and integrate multi-material solutions on various scales, ranging from the microstructure to the building element. This can be achieved by novel fabrication and joining methods such as additive manufacturing and friction stir welding, or it can be inspired by methods used for other structural materials.

We envisage the combination of experimental tests, numerical models, analytical methods, and data-driven approaches for characterization and assessment of structural performance and durability, e.g. by means of  long-term monitoring.

Key research questions to be formulated involve the intertwining between:
(a) the construction and the mechanical performance of joints (e.g. created by friction stir welding, additive manufacturing, bonding);
(b) the composite action of the multi-material structures (e.g., deformation capacity, the response to temperature action, structural stability when loaded in compression, performance in case of blast loading);
(c) the development of methods that use data of various sources and various quality in the evaluation or update of the structural reliability;
(d) the development of digital twins with predictive capabilities.

Your contribution to education

Your education contribution will include interdisciplinary BSc and MSc courses that integrate structural engineering and materials science. You will contribute to bringing sustainability and digitalization into the curricula. And you will foster cross-disciplinary collaboration among students from civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, and environmental studies.

Your embedment in the research group

You will be embedded in the group of Steel and Aluminium Structures of the Department of the Built Environment at Eindhoven University of Technology. You will complement a group consisting of a full professor, an assistant professor, two lecturers, a postdoctoral researcher, and 10 PhD students. The group has an excellent track record in the structural performance of metallic structures, has vast experience in advanced numerical modelling and it is supported by outstanding laboratory facilities: https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-labs/structures-laboratory

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in mechanical or civil engineering research, or a comparable domain.
• Holding a track record in multi-material mechanics and data-driven approaches.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstrable outputs.
• Motivated to teach, demonstrated by experience or assistance in teaching.
• Strong cooperation skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students and staff, leading a project or chairing a group.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.
  
  

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 11 (min. € 4,728 max. € 6,433). 
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and partner career support.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Prof.dr.ir. Johan Maljaars, Full Professor, j.maljaars@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Hella Ploegmakers, Team Lead Talent Attraction, h.a.m.ploegmakers@tue.nl or +31 6 43559635.

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

Please note 

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.