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

Postdoctoral Position: Acoustic Metamaterials at MHz Frequencies (f/m/d)

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 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. The team collaborates with Dr. Simon Binder (University of Freiburg) regarding the fabrication process.

Your Role:

• Develop and 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, and wave modulation to control sound pressure amplitude and phase in fluidic chambers and microchannels
• Design, build, and validate experimental prototypes together with other team members
• Work with collaborators on all aspects to improve concepts, optimize fabrication processes, and 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, and 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, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and conference contributions

Working Conditions:

• Temporary full-time position funded until August 31st, 2028 via the Excellence Cluster 3DMM2O
• Remuneration according to TV-L E13

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