Job Information
- Organisation/Company: University College Dublin
- Department: School of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering
- Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 30 Sep 2026 - 11:59 (Europe/London)
- Country: Ireland
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme
Offer Description
Mechanical nonreciprocal materials so-called nonreciprocal mechanical metamaterials are engineered materials whose mechanical response—such as deformation, stiffness, or wave transmission—differs depending on the direction in which forces or stimuli are applied. This breaks the conventional symmetry seen in natural materials where response is typically identical in both directions. Such materials exhibit different elastic properties (for example, stiffness) depending on whether the load is applied from one direction or the opposite direction. This directional asymmetry is termed nonreciprocal elasticity and can exist in both linear and nonlinear materials. Thus, the nonreciprocal mechanical materials go beyond traditional symmetry-based mechanics, allowing for new types of devices that can transmit, block, or convert energy in targeted ways.
Some key research questions related to this PhD include
- What physical principles govern nonreciprocal mechanical behavior? Understanding the role of symmetry breaking (spatial, temporal, and topological mechanics) and nonlinearity is central.
- How can nonreciprocity be quantitatively described and measured in mechanical systems? Determining theoretical frameworks, numerical models, and experimental setups to characterize directional mechanical responses.
- What are the limits and bounds of nonreciprocal mechanical properties in engineered materials? By applying the concepts of mechanics, investigating theoretical and practical constraints for the magnitude, tunability, and bandwidth of nonreciprocal responses.
- How can static versus dynamic nonreciprocity be realized and distinguished theoretically and experimentally? Differentiating between nonreciprocal behavior under static/nonlinear loading and dynamic/time-dependent excitation.
- How do nonlinearities and topological features impact energy transport and isolation in mechanical systems? Studying the role of complex geometries, self-contacting elements, and resonances for maximizing nonreciprocal effects.
This fully funded four-year PhD project will explore these questions in mechanical systems. Based on principles of mechanics and structural dynamics, the successful candidate will develop rigorous theoretical model to study mechanics of nonlinear and nonreciprocal mechanical metamaterials. These models will be validated by designing nonlinear and nonreciprocal mechanical metamaterials and performing numerical simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics PDE module or similar tools. The metamaterials will be fabricated and experimental test rig will be developed to validate the theoretical and numerical models through experimentation. Prior experience and research in theoretical and applied mechanics, structural dynamics, phononic, acoustic and mechanical metamaterials, and nonlinear dynamic systems will be considered advantageous.
Where to apply
Requirements
Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Essential qualifications/skills knowledge:
- Candidates must have a BSc and/or MSc in Engineering (Civil/Structural/Mechanical or related fields)
- Good communication and writing skills.
- Good time management skills.
- Aptitude for multidisciplinary research approaches.
- Meet the university language requirement. UCD Minimum English Language Requirements
Desirable qualifications/skills knowledge:
- Master Degree in Structural/Mechanical Engineering or topic related discipline with a strong research component or an exceptional undergraduate demonstrating research evidence
- A strong foundation in theoretical and applied mechanics, structural dynamics, nonlinear systems and mechanical metamaterials.
- Experience in numerical tools such as Acoustics, Structural Mechanics and/or PDE module of COMSOL Multiphysics.
- Ability to work with computation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Mathematica etc.)
- Ability to work with experimental tools (Laser Doppler Vibrometer, vibration shaker and other vibration testing related equipment)
- Excellent academic writing and presentation skills.
Behavioral competencies:
- Ability to work as part of a team, including collaboration with other disciplines but also independently.
- Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the project.
- Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer
Specific Requirements
Essential qualifications/skills knowledge:
- Candidates must have a BSc and/or MSc in Engineering (Civil/Structural/Mechanical or related fields)
- Good communication and writing skills.
- Good time management skills.
- Aptitude for multidisciplinary research approaches.
- Meet the university language requirement. UCD Minimum English Language Requirements
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering; Engineering » Civil engineering
Internal Application form(s) needed
Fully Funded PhD scholarship in Mechanics of Mechanical Metamaterials_2026.pdf (English, 243.28 KB - PDF)
Additional Information
Benefits
Funding:
The scholarship will be awarded for maximum period of 4 years and funding will cover the following elements:
- A stipend of €25,000 per annum
- Tuition fees for EU or Non-EU applicant
Eligibility criteria
Essential qualifications/skills knowledge:
- Candidates must have a BSc and/or MSc in Engineering (Civil/Structural/Mechanical or related fields)
- Good communication and writing skills.
- Good time management skills.
- Aptitude for multidisciplinary research approaches.
- Meet the university language requirement. UCD Minimum English Language Requirements
Selection process
Shortlisted applicant will be invited for interview
Website for additional job details
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: University College Dublin
- Country: Ireland
- State/Province: Dublin
- City: Dublin
- Postal Code: D04V1W8
- Street: Belfield Campus
Contact
- City: DUBLIN
- Website: https://people.ucd.ie/muhammad.gulzari
- Street: Newstead Block B, Belfield
- Postal Code: 4
- E-Mail: muhammad.gulzari@ucd.ie
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