21 Sep 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Institute of Fluid Flow Machinery Polish Academy of Science
Offer Description
We are looking for a talented person holding an MSc title, who is interested in continuing their scientific work and possibly opening a doctoral dissertation.
The main objective of the project is the design, development and analysis of a complete non-contact laser ultrasonic system for narrowband selective Lamb wave mode generation.
Such systems are advantageous for the non-destructive evaluation of structures in comparison to other contact methods, such as ultrasonic testing, which requires a coupling gel. It is also very flexible and allows the selective Lamb wave modes generation, which is not possible with a conventional setup of point-wise pulsed laser excitation and scanning laser Doppler vibrometer sensing. It opens up a new avenue in research for potential improvement in the damage identification of structures. In particular, wavefield imaging based on nonlinear guided waves combined with laser patterns for Lamb wave generation, such as the Archimedean spiral or concentric rings proposed in this project, has not been explored so far. The hypothesis is that such an approach will allow us to detect and identify damage earlier than by using point-wise laser excitation and wavefield imaging based on linear guided waves. It is also anticipated that by using full wavefield measurements and advanced modelling techniques, we will be able to better understand the damage-induced generation of nonlinear guided waves.
The role of the PhD student in this project is analysis of nonlinear Lamb waves induced by damage; development of methods of full wavefield imaging for damage detection, including methods based on machine learning; frequency-mixing analysis and signal processing; assistance in experimental set preparation and measurements; journal papers preparation.
Where to apply
E-mail: pk@imp.gda.pl
Requirements
- Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Proficiency in written and oral English (B2 level or higher)
- Relevant engineering degree (mechanics, mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field): MSc
- Mobility and flexibility for conferences (up to twice a year).
We especially seek candidates who:
- possess knowledge in signal processing methods,
- have programming skills,
- can write code in MATLAB language.
Additional assets are certificates related to knowledge and experience in guided wave propagation phenomenon, signal processing and machine learning.
In addition, the following will be assessed:
- the candidates' scientific track record,
- the prizes and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the research carried out.
- Languages: ENGLISH
- Level: Excellent
- Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
- Years of Research Experience: None
Additional Information
Benefits
A candidate will be a part of an energetic, curiosity-driven and culturally diverse team working at the Mechanics of Intelligent Structures Department, MISD (http://www.imp.gda.pl/en/o4/z1/). The MISD is a part of the Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery, which belongs to the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Eligibility criteria
Relevant engineering degree (mechanics, mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field): MSc
Selection process
The period of employment for this position is 48 months, enough to write a PhD thesis. The employment is planned to begin on November 2nd 2026. The deadline for application submission is 24th October 2026, 11 am CET. Online interviews will be conducted with selected candidates upon prior notice and at an individually scheduled time.
Additional comments
The application must contain information about the educational background and work experience. The application, including a CV, grade transcripts (courses with grades) from the graduate studies, a copy of the diploma, a list of publications (if any) and other attachments, should be submitted to Pawel Kudela (pk@imp.gda.pl) with the e-mail subject "Laser project PhD candidate".
For further information, please contact Pawel Kudela (pk@imp.gda.pl; phone: +48 58 6995 251).
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Institute of Fluid Flow Machinery
- Country: Poland
- City: Gdansk
- Postal Code: 80-231
- Street: Fiszera 14
Contact
- City: Gdansk
- Website: http://www.imp.gda.pl
- Street: Fiszera 14
- Postal Code: 80-231

