Technical University of Denmark - TO JOB LIST Postdoc in Computational Design of Soft Robotics for Endomechanics

Are you coming with a strong background in continuum mechanics and optimization, and looking for applying your skills to an emerging research area that will let you establish your career as a scientist? This two year postdoc position is an excellent opportunity for you to unfold and demonstrate your scientific talent on a subject with potentially huge impact and international level attention. During the project you will use and develop computational methods (shape/topology optimization) for designing pneumatically activated soft robotics devices for minimally invasive surgery. You will also demonstrate the performance of the new designs by means of prototype testing.



Responsibilities and qualifications

The advertised position is linked to the project “Pneumatic Endomechanics Beyond Human Intuition” funded by the Villum Foundation. In this context, the main focus of your work will be on developing and applying computational methods for the design of elastomer material actuators for minimally invasive surgery. You are also expected to perform experiments in order to demonstrate the superior performance of computationally generated designs.



The ideal candidate for this position comes with

• a solid background in hyperelasticity and optimization
• coding proficiency in Python or C++ (public code project portfolio is a plus)
• experience within prototyping and experimental testing
• experience within high performance computing
• scientific publication record with emphasis on high quality and excellence

Previous experience within endomechanics is not strictly required but it is a plus. During the project you are expected to seek and fetch knowledge and competences outside your main discipline, including visiting and initiating collaborations with third parties.



As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).



We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.



Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.



The period of employment is 2 years. Expected starting date is 1 January 2023. This is a full-time position.



You can read more about career paths at DTU here.



Further information

Further information may be obtained from Assoc. Prof. Konstantinos Poulios (kopo@dtu.dk).



You can read more about the department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at https://construct.dtu.dk/ as well as about the Section of Solid Mechanics at https://construct.dtu.dk/Sections/solid-mechanics. 



If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.   



Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 October 2022 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• Reference letters (optional)

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.



All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.



DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and the sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.



Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.