Postdoctoral position: Acoustic metamaterials at MHz frequencies (f/m/d)

Postdoctoral position: Acoustic metamaterials at MHz frequencies (f/m/d) Heidelberg University is a comprehensive university with a strong focus on research and international standards. With around 32,200 students and 9,540 employees, including numerous top researchers, it is a globally respected institution that also has outstanding economic significance for the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.

The Neuenheimer Feld Campus of Heidelberg University is the largest campus for natural and life sciences in Germany, where the Faculty of Engineering Sciences bridges material sciences, molecular biotechnology and computational sciences. The modern Campus harbors the buildings of the science faculties and institutes, in direct vicinity to the University Hospital Heidelberg, the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). Strong interactions exist with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology via the DFG-funded Excellence Cluster “3D Matter Made to Order” (3DMM2O).

Background The position is funded via the Excellence Cluster “3D Matter Made to Order” (3DMM2O), which aims to establish scalable digital three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing across all scales from the molecular to the macroscopic range. 3D acoustic particle manipulation complements light-based fabrication methods by enabling the assembly of a wider range of materials, including living biological cells, into user-defined constructs. Integrating the acoustic technology with established instrumentation requires new approaches to control sound waves with high precision and in confined volumes.

The position will be embedded within the research group of Dr. Kai Melde (IMSEAM, Heidelberg University) and co-supervised by Prof. Carsten Rockstuhl (KIT) to combine engineering and computational expertise. We further collaborate with Dr. Simon Binder (University of Freiburg) regarding the fabrication process.

Your Role

Develop & test acoustic metamaterial concepts for Megahertz frequencies

Conduct numerical simulations of sound fields at the unit cell and device level

Optimize geometries that enable impedance matching, waveguiding & wave modulation to control sound pressure amplitude and phase in fluidic chambers and microchannels

Design, build & validate experimental prototypes together with other team members

Work with collaborators on all aspects to improve the concepts, optimize the fabrication process & validate device functionality

Your Profile

Highly motivated individual with an outstanding scientific background and excellent communication skills

Strong background in solid mechanics and acoustics, with demonstrated expertise in numerical simulation

Experience with building experimental setups, rapid prototyping & technologies such as stereolithography, two-photon printing or nano-imprint lithography is highly desirable

Experience with scientific computing and optimization frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX) and acoustics toolkits (e.g., k-Wave) is beneficial

Outstanding doctoral degree in disciplines such as physics, mechanical or electrical engineering, or equivalent fields

Proven record of high-level research, for example, through peer-reviewed publications and conference contributions

This temporary full-time position will be funded until August 31st 2028 via the excellence cluster 3DMM2O and remunerated according to TV-L E13. Employment at Heidelberg University needs to follow the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

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