Research Associate in Mechanical Metamaterials

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 24 months

The Opportunity:

Our team, Mechanics and Geometry of Advanced Structures Laboratory (MEGA SLab), aims to understand a broad range of topics in structural mechanics, mechanical metamaterials, and soft condensed matter physics. We are fascinated by fundamental questions on how topological and geometrical manipulations of matter, across many length scales, result in extraordinary mechanical properties. The successful candidate will develop research in the field of mechanical metamaterials in the context of adhesive bonding and mechanics of architected interfaces. 

The PDRA holding this position will work closely with members of MEGA Slab and will assist with supervision of MSc and PhD students. The PDRA will contribute to the project “Meta­material adhesives for improved performance and functionalisation of bondlines” (Meta¬-adhesives), which has many collaborators, nationally and internationally. The post holder is also expected to interact with experts in experimental interface mechanics, mechanical metamaterials, and life-cycle assessment researchers. For informal enquiries please contact marcelo.dias@ed.ac.uk.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• A PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience in computational mechanics, finite element analysis, and numerical simulations.
• A strong background in solid mechanics, fracture mechanics, with practical experience
• in (or willingness to learn) phase-field modelling, homogenization, and/or Cosserat continuum.
• Familiarity with topological mechanics and metamaterial design is a plus.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or C++) and relevant simulation
• software (COMSOL and/or Abaqus).
• Excellent communication skills and a proven record of interdisciplinary collaboration.

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