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Politecnico di Torino

PhD in Reconfigurable Elastic Metamaterials Politecnico di Torino in Italy

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Mechanical Engineering

Funding

Available

Deadline

Nov 16, 2026

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Country

Italy

University

Politecnico di Torino

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Keywords

Mechanical Engineering
Nonlinear Dynamics
Aeroacoustics
Materials Engineering
Wave Propagation
Topological Physics
Classical Mechanics
Experimental Mechanics
Physics

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About this position

Politecnico di Torino is offering a PhD position in reconfigurable elastic metamaterials within the Department of Applied Science and Technology. The project is set in the broad area of wave propagation in architected media, with a strong focus on how external stimuli, deformation, flows, and intrinsic nonlinearities can be exploited to tailor the behaviour of elastic and acoustic waves.

The research aims to understand and control phenomena such as dispersion, localization, transmission, mode conversion, energy transport, band gaps, topological edge/interface states, reconfigurable waveguides, space-time modulation, non-reciprocal propagation, and amplitude-dependent effects. A key objective is to identify the mechanisms that drive transitions between wave-regime responses and assess robustness against damping, disorder, imperfections, and finite-amplitude excitation.

The work combines analytical and reduced-order modelling, numerical simulations, and experimental validation. Methods include dispersion analysis, nonlinear stability and bifurcation techniques, finite-element and time-domain simulations, and optimisation of metamaterial architectures. Experimental activities may involve fabrication of polymeric specimens and characterisation using piezoelectric excitation and full-field vibration measurements.

The successful candidate will help develop general design principles for adaptive metamaterials and demonstrate proof-of-principle concepts for wave routing, vibration control, sensing, or signal processing. The post is especially suitable for applicants with backgrounds in physics, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, acoustics, applied mathematics, or related disciplines, and with an interest in wave phenomena and structured media.

Funding: The position is funded through Horizon Europe - ERC (Reference Number 101201568). Deadline: 16 November 2026 at 12:00 (Europe/Rome). Start date: 1 March 2027.

Application: Submit your application by email to Federico Bosia at [email protected]. The selection process mentions a CV and a possible interview.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Master Degree or equivalent in physics, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, acoustics, or a related discipline. The candidate should have a sound background in physics, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, materials science, or a related field, with interest in wave phenomena and structured media mechanics. Useful knowledge includes classical and continuum mechanics, vibrations, elasticity, wave propagation, nonlinear dynamics, phononic crystals, metamaterials, or topological wave physics. Good numerical and programming skills are desirable, especially MATLAB, Python, or C/C++. Experience with finite-element software such as COMSOL Multiphysics, experimental mechanics, additive manufacturing, or laser vibrometry would be valuable. English level: good. Years of research experience requested: 1-4.

How to apply

Apply by emailing [email protected]. Prepare a CV and be ready for a possible interview. Use the application information and contact details provided by Politecnico di Torino.

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