Biomechanics and evaluation for 3D printed footwear

The project aims to develop an integrated computational design and digital fabrication workflow for next-generation footwear. The research combines biomechanics, computational design, mechanical metamaterials, additive manufacturing, and digital workflows to create novel footwear concepts with improved performance and manufacturability.

One of the three positions focuses on Biomechanics and evaluation.

This researcher will be responsible for the evaluation of the biomechanical and functional performance of footwear concepts and prototypes. They will translate findings from gait analysis, plantar-pressure measurements, and participant studies into design requirements and recommendations for prototype development.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct gait-analysis experiments and biomechanical measurements.
• Collect, process and analyse plantar-pressure and related biomechanical data.
• Contribute to the design and execution of participant studies.
• Help translate measurement results into functional design requirements.
• Evaluate footwear prototypes through participant-based testing.
• Communicate findings within the team and contribute to iterative prototype development.

Job requirements

• An MSc or equivalent degree in Industrial Design Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Human Movement Sciences, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with biomechanical measurement, experimental research or quantitative data analysis.
• An interest in applying biomechanical research to product development.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience with gait analysis, motion capture, plantar-pressure measurement or participant studies is an advantage.

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

• Duration of contract is 12 months. Temporary.
• A job of 32-36 hours per week.
• A salary based on scale 8 or 10 will be applicable and is depending on graduation date and years of relevant work experience after graduation. With a salary between €3537 - €5760 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Additional information

The project relies on close collaboration within the research team and with industrial partners. Successful candidates are therefore expected to relocate to Delft at the start of the project or shortly thereafter.

These are fixed-term research appointments and do not lead to a PhD degree.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Toon Huysmans T.Huysmans@tudelft.nl

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 October 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please submit:

• a CV;
• a motivation letter describing your background and interest in the position; and
• a portfolio (where relevant), showcasing previous projects or research.

You can address your application to Toon Huysmans.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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