Postdoctoral Researcher Position (m/f/div) in Computational Mechanics and Plant-Inspired Adaptive Structures

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) conducts research to advance intelligent systems that perceive, learn, and interact. Through fundamental research across computational, physical, and social dimensions, we shape artificial intelligence and robotics to advance knowledge and benefit society.

We are looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher Position (m/f/div) in Computational Mechanics and Plant-Inspired Adaptive Structures

The Mechanics for Intelligent Structures research group, led by Dr.-Ing. Renate Sachse at MPI-IS in Stuttgart, is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary project at the intersection of computational mechanics, bioinspiration, and inverse design.

About the Project

Plants demonstrate remarkable mechanical capabilities, from rapid snapping movements to slow, environmentally driven shape changes. Many of these movements emerge from the interplay of geometry, material properties, and structural mechanics, providing inspiration for adaptive systems whose functionality is embedded directly into their physical structure.

The project aims to understand the mechanical principles underlying complex plant movements and translate them into new design strategies for artificial adaptive structures. Rather than focusing solely on predicting structural behavior, we seek to develop computational methods that allow desired movements and functionalities to be programmed through geometry and material design.

The research combines nonlinear computational mechanics, numerical modeling, inverse design, and optimization, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in plant biomechanics, responsive materials, and bioinspired engineering.

• Development of mechanics-based models for plant-inspired adaptive structures.
  

• Investigation of the interplay between geometry, material behavior, and complex deformation mechanisms.
  

• Formulation and implementation of numerical methods for nonlinear structural analysis, particularly finite element methods.
  

• Development of inverse design and optimization approaches for programming structural motion and functionality.
  

• Computational studies and validation using experimental observations of biological and artificial systems.
  

• Transfer of biological movement principles into artificial adaptive structures and demonstrators.
  

• The specific research questions and methodological approaches will be developed together with the successful candidate, taking into account their expertise and research interests.
  

Roles & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will take an active role in shaping and conducting the research project and contribute to the scientific activities of the Mechanics for Intelligent Structures group.

Responsibilities include:

• Independently planning and conducting theoretical and computational research.
• Developing, implementing, and validating numerical models and computational methods.
• Contributing to collaborative research software and computational workflows.
• Collaborating with researchers in mechanics, biology, materials science, and related disciplines.
• Contributing to experimental validation and the development of physical demonstrators.
• Publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting them at international conferences.

Education & Experience

Applicants should have

• a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a closely related field.
• a strong background in continuum mechanics, nonlinear structural mechanics, and numerical methods, particularly finite element methods.
• experience in scientific programming, ideally with Python, MATLAB, and/or C++.
• experience with numerical optimization, inverse problems, or computational design is highly desirable.
• demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results.
• very good written and spoken English.
• Iiterest in interdisciplinary research connecting mechanics with biological and material systems.
• experience with bioinspired mechanics, soft robotics, responsive materials, or experimental validation is an advantage but not required

Our offer

• A fully funded postdoctoral position for one year (TVöD E13).
• The opportunity to conduct independent research and contribute to shaping an interdisciplinary project.
• Close mentoring and career development support within a newly established research group.
• An international, open-minded, and motivating research environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art computational resources and experimental infrastructure at MPI-IS.
• Opportunities for collaboration with leading research groups at MPI-IS and internationally.
• Opportunities for scientific exchange, research visits, and conference participation.
• Competitive salary according to the applicable German public-sector employment regulations.
• Financial contribution to the Deutschland-Jobticket (public transportation).
• Family-friendly working conditions and support for reconciling family and career.

Application

Applications should include the following documents (in English):

• Cover letter (maximum two pages) describing the applicant's research background, relevant expertise, motivation, and research interests.
• Curriculum vitae, including a complete publication list and relevant software contributions.
• Transcript or degree certificate from the most recent academic program.
• Names and contact information of two to three references (reference letters are not required at this stage).

Application without these documents including the letter will not be considered.

Please send the requested documents in a single PDF file , via the application portal . The posting is open until filled.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Renate Sachse at [email protected] .

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in its workforce in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Closing date for applications

The posting is open until filled.