Sant'Anna - School of Advanced Studies Pisa
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Acoustic Metamaterials and Fiber-Optic Sensing (
Sant'Anna - School of Advanced Studies Pisa, Italy, New York, United States
Sant'Anna - School of Advanced Studies Pisa
Organisation/Company Sant'Anna - School of Advanced Studies Pisa Department Institute of Mechanical Intelligence Research Field Engineering Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Italy Application Deadline 2 Mar 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Amsterdam) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 36 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description Call for Expressions of Interest
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Acoustic Metamaterials and Fiber-Optic Sensing
Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
We invite applications from talented individuals to join our cutting-edge research team at the Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, as either a Research Fellow.
The Project
The Robotic Mechanisms and Materials (RMM) laboratory and the Photonic Sensors Integrated Systems laboratories at the Institute of Mechanical Intelligence jointly offer a prestigious research opportunity in the field of multifunctional materials design.
The need to operate and remain in underwater environments for exploration and research purposes requires the development of structural materials capable of ensuring high performance, long‑term reliability, and low environmental impact, while also meeting specific operational requirements.
In particular, the objective of the project is the development and validation of innovative metamaterials, with a specific focus on:
Composites with structural properties compatible with deep subsea operations;
Smart surfaces integrating fiber optic sensors for: reconstruction of relevant environmental variables (temperature, pressure, impulse), enabling environmental awareness capabilities.
structural health monitoring to ensure timely and reliable detection of degradation phenomena, defects, or anomalies.
Participation in this project provides the opportunity to collaborate within a strategic research area at the intersection between applied acoustics, sensing technologies, and structural design.
What You’ll Do
The successful candidate will:
join a cross‑disciplinary team composed of mechanical and aerospace engineers, physicists, and materials scientists;
work on the design and manufacturing of complex surfaces made of innovative materials with advanced properties for underwater applications;
take part in the calibration and validation of the proposed embedded sensors design and acoustic material, actively participating in experimental campaigns.
Who Should Apply
We are seeking a passionate and highly motivated candidate with: a Phd degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science;
(see specific requirements below)
Positions Details
Role: Research Fellow
Start date: Please inquire for details
Duration: 2 years
Our Offer
The Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna provides a vibrant research environment, fostering innovation and collaboration. We value diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should write an email the following contacts to express their interest and receive further details about the application process.
The indicated deadline applies to the Call for Interest; a specific call will be opened depending on the expressions of interest received.
Where to apply E-mail marco.fontana@santannapisa.it
Requirements Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent
Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent
Research Field Physics Education Level PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
The candidate should hold:
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Languages ITALIAN Level Good
Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Years of Research Experience None
strong analytical skills, with an aptitude for both design/simulation activities and experimental work;
a high degree of flexibility and willingness to work in a strongly multidisciplinary environment at the intersection of applied acoustics, sensing technologies, and materials science;
solid prior knowledge of structural dynamics, materials science, computational mechanics and fundamentals of acoustics and fluid dynamics (Finite and Boundary Element Methods);
excellent knowledge of the English language, along with strong organizational and communication skills enabling effective dissemination of results within a broader multidisciplinary team and research community.
Additional Information Selection process
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Organisation/Company Sant'Anna - School of Advanced Studies Pisa Department Institute of Mechanical Intelligence Research Field Engineering Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Italy Application Deadline 2 Mar 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Amsterdam) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 36 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description Call for Expressions of Interest
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Acoustic Metamaterials and Fiber-Optic Sensing
Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
We invite applications from talented individuals to join our cutting-edge research team at the Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, as either a Research Fellow.
The Project
The Robotic Mechanisms and Materials (RMM) laboratory and the Photonic Sensors Integrated Systems laboratories at the Institute of Mechanical Intelligence jointly offer a prestigious research opportunity in the field of multifunctional materials design.
The need to operate and remain in underwater environments for exploration and research purposes requires the development of structural materials capable of ensuring high performance, long‑term reliability, and low environmental impact, while also meeting specific operational requirements.
In particular, the objective of the project is the development and validation of innovative metamaterials, with a specific focus on:
Composites with structural properties compatible with deep subsea operations;
Smart surfaces integrating fiber optic sensors for: reconstruction of relevant environmental variables (temperature, pressure, impulse), enabling environmental awareness capabilities.
structural health monitoring to ensure timely and reliable detection of degradation phenomena, defects, or anomalies.
Participation in this project provides the opportunity to collaborate within a strategic research area at the intersection between applied acoustics, sensing technologies, and structural design.
What You’ll Do
The successful candidate will:
join a cross‑disciplinary team composed of mechanical and aerospace engineers, physicists, and materials scientists;
work on the design and manufacturing of complex surfaces made of innovative materials with advanced properties for underwater applications;
take part in the calibration and validation of the proposed embedded sensors design and acoustic material, actively participating in experimental campaigns.
Who Should Apply
We are seeking a passionate and highly motivated candidate with: a Phd degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science;
(see specific requirements below)
Positions Details
Role: Research Fellow
Start date: Please inquire for details
Duration: 2 years
Our Offer
The Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna provides a vibrant research environment, fostering innovation and collaboration. We value diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should write an email the following contacts to express their interest and receive further details about the application process.
The indicated deadline applies to the Call for Interest; a specific call will be opened depending on the expressions of interest received.
Where to apply E-mail marco.fontana@santannapisa.it
Requirements Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent
Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent
Research Field Physics Education Level PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
The candidate should hold:
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Languages ITALIAN Level Good
Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Years of Research Experience None
strong analytical skills, with an aptitude for both design/simulation activities and experimental work;
a high degree of flexibility and willingness to work in a strongly multidisciplinary environment at the intersection of applied acoustics, sensing technologies, and materials science;
solid prior knowledge of structural dynamics, materials science, computational mechanics and fundamentals of acoustics and fluid dynamics (Finite and Boundary Element Methods);
excellent knowledge of the English language, along with strong organizational and communication skills enabling effective dissemination of results within a broader multidisciplinary team and research community.
Additional Information Selection process
#J-18808-Ljbffr