"Postdoc Researcher in Metamaterial-based Mitigation of Low-Frequency Railway Vibrations"

Job Description

TU Delft, in collaboration with ProRail and Cohere Consultants, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the WaveGuard project — an ambitious initiative funded by TKI-HTSM. The project aims to develop a new generation of mitigation measures for low-frequency ground vibrations induced by railway traffic, using nonlinear and spatially varying metamaterials.

Despite decades of research, low-frequency railway vibrations (4–20 Hz) remain a persistent challenge, affecting both nearby residents and sensitive infrastructure. WaveGuard explores how advanced engineered materials can control, redirect, or damp these vibrations more efficiently than conventional solutions such as trenches or damping layers.

A crucial aspect of this position is the design and realization of a dedicated laboratory test setup. The postdoctoral researcher will take the lead in conceiving, building, and instrumenting a modular soil flume to experimentally validate the proposed metamaterial concept. This setup will serve as the cornerstone for the project’s proof-of-concept experiments in the second half of the appointment, providing the first empirical demonstration of the WaveGuard system.

In addition to experimental work, the postdoc will contribute to the numerical design and optimization of the metamaterial system using dedicated tools such as STEM, ensuring that the lab-scale tests and models reinforce each other.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in vibration and wave dynamics, metamaterials, and/or soil–structure interaction, and proven skills in experimental design and testing as well as numerical modelling (e.g., FEM). Experience with railway dynamics, soil mechanics, or nonlinear systems will be considered an asset. This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge fundamental research and hands-on experimentation, contributing to the development of sustainable, low-vibration railway infrastructure for the future.

The research will be carried out within the Dynamics of Solids and Structures section at TU Delft, in close collaboration with ProRail and Cohere Consultants, linking cutting-edge research with practical railway applications.

The Dynamics of Solids and Structures section is part of the Department of Engineering Structures that focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Our aim is to meet societal demands in transportation, the energy transition and sustainable reuse. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Our unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full-scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers both groundbreaking research and world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. As a team, we represent different backgrounds, skills and views. We foster an inclusive culture, as our combined identities, attitudes and ambitions widen our perspective and make up our strengths.

Job Requirements

The candidate must be able to independently conduct advanced research that combines experimental and computational approaches and should demonstrate the following qualifications:

• A PhD in a field related to Linear or Nonlinear Structural Dynamics, Wave Propagation, Soil Dynamics, or Experimental Dynamics, within Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or Applied Physics.
• Proven experience in experimental research, including the design and realization of laboratory setups, instrumentation, and data acquisition and analysis.
• Demonstrable experience in developing analytical and numerical models for dynamic systems (e.g. FEM, multiphysics simulations, etc.).
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and inventive skills, with the ability to translate fundamental concepts into practical designs.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and international teams.
• A track record of scientific publication in relevant fields and an interest in mentoring MSc students are considered strong assets.

Conditions of Employment

Duration of contract is 3 years. Temporary.

A job of 38-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

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.

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 information about the application procedure, please contact our secretariat Secr-ES-CiTG@tudelft.nl or a.b.faragau@tudelft.nl.

Application Procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 5 January 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV.
• Cover/motivation letter explaining your interest and your qualifications for this position, a proposal on how you would approach the described problem and how your skills match the requirements
• MSc + PhD degree.
• 300 words abstract of your MSc and PhD thesis.
• Publication list.
• Two selected publications.
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge).
• Contact details of two persons who can provide references.

Please note:

If your MSc and PhD diploma and transcript are not in Dutch, English, French or German and you will be the selected candidate, the TU Delft will ask you to deliver a certified translation in case you will be appointed.

You can address your application to Andrei Faragau.

Please note:

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

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