Postdoc in Nature-Inspired Architectured Concrete

This postdoctoral position focuses on developing nature-inspired architectured concrete by combining 3D-printed concrete scaffolds with chitinous fungal networks to create living composite materials. The aim is to prove the concept of hard/soft concrete composites that are structurally resilient and inherently sustainable.

Job description

Concrete is a quasi-brittle material with low tensile strength, so engineers have to rely on steel reinforcement. This project explores a different approach inspired by nature, which has already perfected the art of turning brittle minerals into tough materials, such as nacre in seashells, by combining them with soft organic polymers. The project proposes using 3D-printed concrete as a scaffold to guide the growth of a chitinous fungal network. The result is a new class of living composite materials that are not only structurally resilient but also inherently sustainable, moving us toward a future where infrastructure is grown, not just built.

In this project, we aim to prove the concept of hard/soft concrete composites. The research will include:

• Computational modelling and optimization of concrete architectures
• Experimental testing and validation of developed architectures

Therefore, experience in numerical concrete modelling with commercial tools such as Abaqus and/or self-developed tools is essential. Experimental experience is a plus.

Currently, in the section of Materials & Environment, several research projects are being conducted on architectured concrete and concrete metamaterials. This project will be the first in the department focusing on hard/soft composites.

As a postdoc, you will contribute to setting up this research direction and possible follow-up projects.

The postdoc will be hosted in the section of Materials & Environment, Department of Materials, Mechanics, Management & Design of TU Delft, within the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences. In the Materials & Environment section, experimental and modelling projects are ongoing with a focus on construction materials.

Job requirements

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who can independently plan, execute, deliver and communicate their research effectively. The successful candidate needs to have:

• A PhD in engineering
• Experience in concrete modelling and experimentation
• A proven track record in scientific publishing
• A good command of English, written and spoken

Since the position is part-time (0.6 fte), it is preferred if the candidate is already in the Netherlands.

About TU Delft

The postdoc will be hosted in the section of Materials & Environment, Department of Materials, Mechanics, Management & Design of TU Delft, within the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 9 months. Temporary.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.