Ph.D. Scholarship on Construction Metamaterials

Metamaterials represent a paradigm shift in material engineering, offering capabilities beyond the constraints of natural materials. Originally conceived for light manipulation, they have expanded their reach to control diverse wave phenomena like acoustics and mechanics, resulting in structures with exotic performances such as for example unconventional deformation or filtering of undesired waves. Notably, modern additive manufacturing aligns seamlessly with metamaterials, enabling the fabrication of complex structures essential for desired functionality.

This ongoing revolution holds the potential to inspire new avenues in construction materials and structures. The goal of the PhD is to exploit the possibilities of metamaterials in the field of construction, with an additional focus on sustainability—a crucial aspect for the successful deployment of such structures at large scale. To achieve this, the study will utilize the latest fabrication techniques, specifically robotic 3D printing. This approach aims to minimize material usage while enabling the development of complex structures with exceptional performance characteristics.

The PhD candidate will undertake the full design process, including the fabrication of structures and theoretical studies employing advanced numerical simulators to optimize the performance of the structures. This work will involve analytical studies to grasp the physics of targeted phenomena and select appropriate materials. Ultimately, the research will culminate in experimental demonstrations of the developed structures. Foreseen applications include the creation of lightweight and durable structures capable of filtering harmful acoustic, hydraulic, and seismic waves. The candidate will plan and perform the experiments and simulations to design sustainable metamaterials for publication in peer-reviewed journal articles and conferences. Material sustainability will be a crucial consideration in the selection of components. Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to learn and operate a robotic 3D concrete printer. The PhD training also considers a possible codirection with Professor Miguel Beruete, UPNA, Spain, expert in metamaterials. 

Starting date

• The PhD aims to start in January 2025, in the winter term, but it can vary with the immigration procedure.

Instructions to apply

The applications will be handled continuously and in a confidential manner.

The interested parties must send the specified documents in the manner described below:

• a one-page research proposal;
• a curriculum vitae with a list of publications;
• and a letter of motivation.

The documents must be addressed by email to by August 30, 2024. The subject of the e-mail must be: PhD - Metamaterials_LAST NAME.

Please address the candidacy to Claudiane.Ouellet-Plamondon@etsmtl.ca.

Partners of the project

• École de technologie supérieure - ÉTS (Canada)

Responsible professor(s)

• Claudiane Ouellet-Plamondon, ÉTS, Canada

• Miguel Beruete, UPNA, Spain

Funding

• The project provides a scholarship when registered at ÉTS.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

• In terms of hiring, ÉTS adheres to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Career interruptions and slowdowns, as well as the potential for accommodations in the selection process in the event of a disability, will be taken into consideration when evaluating candidates.

About immigration

• We urge all qualified individuals to submit an application in accordance with the requirements set forth in relation to immigration to Canada. However, priority will be given to those who are Canadian citizens as well as long-term residents. It is crucial that you let us know in your application if you have the ability to work in Canada so that we can prepare the appropriate immigration process