Mechanical Engineering

The health program focuses on technical-scientific research that generates solutions for healthcare issues that are increasing in complexity and size. We want to investigate new methods and technologies aimed at innovations in technical solutions through in-silico, ex-vivo and in-vitro evaluations that simplify and accelerate the implementation process. These technologies should target early diagnostics, prevention and treatment with the aim to bring these innovative approaches to an advanced TRL. The themes that we are interested in, but are not limited to:
•    Computational approaches for digital twins for health, and tissue-on-a-chip technology for human disease models. 
•    Design and advanced fabrication of high-throughput, scalable biosensor and device technologies aimed at engineering smart, multi-functional platforms.
•    Devices for fluidic transport and trapping methodologies with correlative microscopy or spectroscopy, as well as advanced signal processing and machine learning, can be part of the instrumentation development.
•    Smart precision diagnostic systems and portable e-health equipment.

To maintain a technological lead in high-tech sectors such as aerospace, medical, semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing, industries face ever tighter space and performance requirements. In order to meet these, future high-tech systems will be characterized by a high degree of function integration, while high-tech materials under increasingly extreme conditions will require solutions towards solving major societal issues like energy transition, long-term durability and sustainability.
This calls for innovations that enable materials and system design, analysis, and reliable production of multi-material components. In particular, multi-material additive manufacturing and printing of functional materials is a crucial technology. We are looking for talented researchers that can contribute to the development of next generation technology in the above fields.

Europe aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 while also targeting energy independence and security. This requires, amongst other goals, unlocking the full potential of modern-day and novel energy conversion systems. Important pillars towards a sustainable energy transition include: (i) decarbonising electricity, accelerating energy efficiency and electrification, including sustainable wind, solar, tidal, electrochemical  energy production; (ii) striving for zero-emission, and intermediate non‐CO2 emission strategies, is vital in the energy production and usage stages, including hydrogen production and propulsion approaches for transport applications; (iii) carbon capture, conversion and storage as well as atmospheric carbon dioxide removal will be required to mitigate and compensate hard‐to‐abate residual emissions. New utilisation pathways in the production of CO2-based synthetic fuels and chemicals are gaining momentum; (iv) robust and resilient control algorithms to determine the amount of energy to produce and its destination (e.g., grid, storage, conversion to hydrogen) for realizing maximum added value to the energy system.

Within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, we are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious assistant professor (academic career track) candidate with a strong background in the broad field of energy systems. The research area of the position will be oriented towards fundamental methodologies in one or more of the research fields described above (non-exhaustive list). We are looking for candidates with a relevant background and strong interest in the research domains sketched above or related fields. Do one of these topics resonate and excite you? Then you might be the right candidate for this position.