Job description
We live in an era where artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a beacon of innovation, where advances in machine learning (ML) profoundly impact many aspects of our society. Nevertheless, the use of ML in engineering is still in its infancy. Many areas of engineering that could leverage on ML include (meta)material characterization and design, computational structural design, and symbolic regression (i.e., obtaining mathematical expressions from experimental data), to name a few. At Delft University of Technology we recognize the immense potential AI holds in revolutionizing a broad range of engineering problems.

In this project we will look at ultra-thin materials, which are at the forefront of technological development due to their extraordinary properties. Graphene, for instance, stands as the strongest, most impermeable, and conductive material known to date. There is a myriad of applications where graphene could find its way. However, the materials’ extreme noise sensitivity gives rise to a plethora of poorly-understood phenomena. Through the use of ML, we will derive precise mathematical expressions that describe the behavior of these materials in the presence of noise, paving the way for unleashing their full potential for extreme sensing in high-tech industries such as aerospace and medical.

As a postdoctoral researcher your tasks will include:

• Developing on "deep symbolic regression", i.e., an existing ML framework that uses neural networks to determine mathematical expressions from experimental or numerical data.
• Coordinate the work of related MSc projects.
• Help with writing proposals to secure further funding for this topic.
• Publishing in renowned journals, and presenting your research at international meetings.

Job requirements
You should have the following qualifications:

• A strong background in machine learning.
• Knowledge of Bayesian optimization, Gaussian processes is a plus.
• Background in mechanics is highly desired.
• A PhD degree in computer science, applied mathematics, or engineering (mechanical, civil, aerospace, etc.).
• High motivation for teamwork and excellent communication skills.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
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!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering
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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Alejandro M. Aragón, phone: +31 (0)15 278 22 67, e-mail: a.m.aragon@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 25 November 2024 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to .

For information about the application procedure, please contact Linda Verhaar, recruitment-me@tudelft.nl. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.