Postdoctoral Researcher

Host Institution

On a national level, SU has been one of the most successful universities in Turkiye in terms of the number of EU Framework Programmes funded projects per faculty member. The Sabancı University Research and Technology Transfer Office (SU ATT) is well-structured to manage the 300 active projects simultaneously, with approximately 57% of the total budget allocated to EU projects. Research at SU is an interdisciplinary effort extending across all branches of science, technology, and arts. Academic activities are performed within the framework of three faculties composed of non-departmental and interdisciplinary programs: the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the School of Management, which feature a total of 12 undergraduate, 52 graduate and 17 doctoral programs. SU has also several research centres, including Integrated Manufacturing Research and Application Center (SU-IMC), Data Analytics Research and Application Center (VERIM), Center of Excellence in Nano Diagnostics (EFSUN).

Offer Description & Requirements

Research Theme: Multiphysics Topology Optimization and Computational Design for Next-Generation Functional Materials and Systems

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position focused on advancing topology optimization and computational design methodologies to engineer high-performance, multifunctional systems across a range of application domains. This research bridges theory, computation, and fabrication, targeting cutting-edge innovations in electromagnetic metamaterials, tissue scaffolds, thermo-mechanical systems, and fabrication-aware design. The central goal of this project is to develop scalable and robust design frameworks that enable the creation of architected materials and structures with tailored behavior across multiple physical domains. The work will explore novel optimization algorithms that account for coupled fields-such as electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical interactions-and integrate material constraints, manufacturing limitations, and application-specific requirements.

Key research directions include:

• Development of topology optimization algorithms for multiphysics problems (e.g., EM-thermal-mechanical)
• Design of 3D-printed metamaterials with programmable responses
• Computational frameworks for bio-compatible and mechanically responsive tissue scaffolds
• Incorporation of process constraints from advanced fabrication methods (e.g., additive manufacturing, lithography, bioprinting)

This highly interdisciplinary position provides the opportunity to work at the intersection of computational mechanics, material science, electromagnetics, and biomedical engineering, in collaboration with experimentalists and industry partners.

Researchers of any nationality in possession of a doctoral degree and those who have not resided in Turkey for more than 12 months in the three years before the call deadline (10 Sept 2025) are eligible to apply. Please check the conditions and your eligibility at the following link: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/calls/msca-postdoctoral-fellowships-2026

How to apply?

For applications, the expression of interest should be submitted by email to belisayca.karagoz@sabanciuniv.edu with the subject "Expression of interest for the MSCA PostDoctoral Fellowship 2026 – ME - name of the candidate". For your technical questions, please get into contact with Professor Güllü Kızıltaş Şendur via gullu.kiziltas@sabanciuniv.edu.

The Expression of interest should include following information:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. A brief outline of the proposed research project with defined objectives (max 2 pages)
3. Motivation letter

Hosting Offers

• Proposal review support by the Engineering and Natural Sciences Project Office
• Full support for project administration
• Access to key databases, software and labs
• Full access to the university Information Center, Sports Center and other available facilities and Research Centers