We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher for an 18-month contract to develop coupled musculoskeletal and hydrodynamic models, perform novel simulations and collect experimental data to identify model parameters and to test model accuracy. We aim to develop a rowing simulation environment that enables us to refine oar, blade and oarlock design and adjust athlete technique to maximize efficiency at high speeds.

Your project is supported by a Cohesion grant between the departments of Biomechanical Engineering and Process & Energy at TU Delft. You will simultaneously work as a member of the Computational Biomechanics Lab and the Fluid Mechanics Lab under the guidance of Ajay Seth and Arnoud Greidanus, respectively. The work within this program is multi-disciplinary and involves computational modeling and experimental research with support of specialists (scientific/non-scientific). An extensive lab equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment are widely available for the experimental work.

You will have the opportunity to supervise MSc and PhD candidates in both departments, attend scientific and sports related conferences, teach, and apply for external funding to grow your academic career.

We are looking for researchers that can start by September/October 2023 at the latest.

You should have:

• PhD in mechanical engineering or similar discipline by the start date of the position.
• Proficiency in modeling multibody systems and/or fluid dynamics.
• Experience with a programming language (e.g., C++, Python, Java, Matlab, etc.).
• Experience collecting experimental data (human biomechanics, vehicle, or similar).
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.

The following aspects will help you stand out:

• Thriving in multidisciplinary environments.
• Motivation and interest in studying rowing dynamics.
• Curiosity-driven working attitude.
• Knowledge of biomechanical modeling, computational fluid dynamics, vision-based motion capture, machine learning, etc.

Please keep in mind these requirements reflect skills and knowledge we feel would be most beneficial for the candidate. However, if you feel strongly that you are up for the challenge and have novel ideas we absolutely want to see your application! We are happy to be surprised by different skill sets and backgrounds we did not anticipate.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: € 4.036 - € 5.090 per month gross). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, 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.

This position is a temporary assignment for 18 months.

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, Maritime and Materials 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 3mE faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

3mE 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 3mE’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, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.