Help shape the future of products that sense and adapt to the human body, using multi-material 3D printing and computational design.
Job description
Many products that support or interact with people need structures that do more than carry loads: they must respond reliably to changing forces and patterns of use. Multi-material additive manufacturing makes it possible to integrate different mechanical and functional behaviours within a single structure. Yet designing structures that combine load-bearing performance with embedded sensing and controlled adaptation remains a major challenge. Addressing it calls for new ways to connect geometry, material behaviour and manufacturing with the needs of people who use the resulting products.
In this PhD, you will develop and investigate computational design approaches for multi-material 3D-printed structures. You will explore how geometry, material distribution, electronics functions and manufacturing parameters can be designed together to achieve desired structural and functional behaviour. You will also design and fabricate prototypes that incorporate sensing and geometry-driven mechanisms for adaptation. Combining computational modelling with hands-on experiments, you will evaluate structural behaviour, sensing performance and durability under static and cyclic loading. You will interpret the results, refine design methods, integrate promising concepts into demonstrators, and communicate your findings through scientific publications and presentations.
Your research will include:
- Developing fabrication-aware computational workflows for lattice geometries and multi-material layouts.
- Designing and making 3D-printed prototypes to investigate load-bearing, sensing and adaptive behaviour.
- Using computational modelling and experiments to evaluate stiffness, deformation, sensing and actuation performance, and durability.
- Integrating and validating concepts in demonstrators, including a wheelchair cushion to evaluate sitting pressure redistribution and user comfort.
You will be part of the Materializing Futures group in the Department of Sustainable Design Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, supervised by Dr. Mehmet Özdemir and Dr. Wolf Song. You will have access to the faculty’s digital fabrication facilities and the Comfort Lab, and collaborate with experts in ergonomics, and smart materials, as well as industry partners.
Job requirements
We look for candidates who have:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Industrial Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with 3D printing and with building and testing physical prototypes
- Experience with computational or parametric design (e.g. Rhino/Grasshopper, Python)
- Strong interest in combining mechanics, materials, electronics, and human factors, and in research with sound experimental design
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, communicate effectively and take initiative
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
Desirable experience:
Experience with sensors and basic electronics for sensor readout and control (e.g. Arduino), finite element analysis, soft robotics or user studies, and prior publications are assets but not requirements.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
Faculty Industrial Design Engineering
Matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology. This is the focus of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society to create products, services and systems with purpose.
IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability and health, as well as its development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in our inspiring hall, labs and studios.
In close cooperation with industry, the public sector and NGOs we rehearse possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities , increasing from Promovendus gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Mehmet Özdemir, e-mail: mehmet.ozdemir@tudelft.nl
Application procedure
Apply via the application button before 27 November 2026 and upload your CV and cover letter.
Optional:
You may include a portfolio of relevant work, or include links to relevant projects, code samples or publications in your CV.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
