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Delft University of Technology
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Fatigue of Composite Materials and Mode II Delamination Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
This is a 24-month temporary externally funded employment contract for 38–40 hours per week. Salary is €3,706–€5,760, with benefits in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement, including an ABP pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, leave, training opportunities, and partially paid parental leave.
Deadline
Dec 4, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology
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About this position
Delft University of Technology is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the Duramorph project on fatigue behavior in non-traditional composite laminates. The research addresses how to predict fatigue performance in arbitrary lay-ups while reducing the extensive testing traditionally required for each laminate configuration.
The project focuses on the effect of fibre orientation on mode II delamination growth in carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) lay-ups. A central challenge is understanding fatigue behavior under reversed shear loading conditions (R < 0), for which the researcher will develop a new test setup and test-rig. The work will also compare mode II fatigue delamination growth under positive and reversed shear loading.
The researcher will join the Damage Management and Certification team, led by John-Alan Pascoe, within the Aerospace Structures and Materials department of TU Delft’s Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. The team includes MSc thesis students, PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers working on fracture and fatigue topics, and has access to laboratory facilities for manufacturing and testing aerospace materials and composites.
The role involves collaboration with NLR, the University of Twente and XCTE, a start-up specializing in high-frequency testing. The researcher will contribute to project coordination, communicate findings through journal publications and conference presentations, and present results to project partners and the industrial advisory board. There is also an opportunity to participate in educational activities at TU Delft.
Funding details
This is a 24-month temporary externally funded employment contract for 38–40 hours per week. Salary is €3,706–€5,760, with benefits in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement, including an ABP pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, leave, training opportunities, and partially paid parental leave.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field such as Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a similar discipline, with a thesis relevant to the research topic. Applicants should have an affinity with fatigue and delamination growth in composite materials and with mechanical testing, ideally involving fatigue and/or fracture of composites. They should be willing to proactively acquire new skills and knowledge, demonstrate a critical attitude toward their own and others' work, and have strong written and oral communication skills for academic and industrial audiences. English proficiency must meet the requirements described on the TU Delft Aerospace Engineering Graduate School admission page.
How to apply
Apply by 4 December 2026 through the Apply button on the TU Delft vacancy page. Upload a CV and motivational letter addressing the project motivation and the main challenge of testing mode II delamination growth under reversed shear. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview and asked to present previous research and a project research proposal.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.