Postdoc Damage Tolerance of Structural Bonded Joints

**Postdoc Damage Tolerance of Structural Bonded Joints**:
**_Challenge: Predict damage tolerance of structural bonded joints._**
**_Change: New models and experimental methodologies_**
**_Impact: Enable structural sizing for defects_**

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**Job description**:

- Join us in shaping the future of sustainable aviation through innovative bonding technologies_

Adhesive bonding is a key enabling technology for lightweight composite airframe design, crucial for the transition toward more sustainable aviation. However, to fully integrate bonded structures into next-generation aircraft, we must advance our understanding of fatigue and damage tolerance—especially as automation in manufacturing and stringent certification requirements increase.

In this position you will contribute to this need, by developing and validating methodologies bridging static and fatigue damage growth tests on generic coupons with bonded structures under combined load cases, supported by analytical or numerical modelling. This project will feature a large amount of experimental work, in combination with analytical and/or numerical modelling, depending on which approach proves to be most feasible.

**What You’ll Be Working On**

**Who You’ll Be Working With**

You will conduct this research within the **Aerospace Structures and Materials (ASM) Department** at TU Delft’s Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. Direct supervision will be provided by **Dr. ir. J.A. Pascoe and Dr. ir. R.C. Alderliesten**.

**Why Join Us?**
- **Shape the Future**: Be at the forefront of sustainable aerospace innovations by improving structural bonding techniques.
- **Supportive & Inclusive Environment**: Join a diverse and interdisciplinary team where collaboration, new ideas, and different perspectives are highly valued.
- **Sustainable Impact**: Your research will directly contribute to the development of stronger, safer, and more circular composite structures, supporting the transition toward cleaner aviation.
- **Real-World Applications**: Work on experimental demonstrators, collaborate with industry partners, and see your research contribute to practical aerospace advancements.

**Your Responsibilities**
- Conducting independent research into the fatigue and damage tolerance of adhesively bonded composite structures, with support from the supervisory team.
- Assisting in teaching activities within the ASM department.
- Publishing your findings in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at international conferences, and engaging with project partners to maximize the impact of your research.

**Requirements**:
**Essential Qualifications**:

- A **PhD degree** in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with a research focus relevant to this project.
- Strong interest in **fatigue of composite structures and materials**.
- A proactive mindset and eagerness to develop new **skills and knowledge** to successfully complete the project.
- A **critical and analytical approach** to research, both in your own work and in evaluating the work of others.
- Well-developed **communication skills**—both written and oral—with the ability to present your research effectively in academic and industry settings.
- **Proficiency in English.**

**Desirable Skills & Experience**:

- Background in **fatigue testing** of materials or structures.
- Knowledge of **adhesive bonding of aircraft components**.
- Expertise in **analytical or numerical modeling of fatigue and/or fracture mechanics**.

**Are You Ready to Make an Impact?**

This is more than just a research opportunity—it’s a chance to develop cutting-edge materials that redefine sustainability in aerospace engineering. If you’re excited about innovation, collaboration, and contributing to a greener aviation future, we’d love to hear from you.

**Let’s build a smarter, stronger, and more sustainable future together**

**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.

Challenge. Change. Impact

**Faculty Aerospace Engineering**:

**Conditions of employment**
- Duration of contract is 2.5 years.
- A job of 38 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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible