Ph3PhD Position on Structural, Seismic and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSG) /h3 pbPhD in Structural, Seismic and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSG) /b /p pbResearch Title /b /p pAI-Guided Design of Programmable Intelligent Metamaterials /p pbDeadline /b /p pDecember 18th 2025, 2PM (CEST) /p pbStart Date /b /p p1 February 2026 /p pbFunded by /b /p pThe Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I), in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano /p pbContacts /b /p pbWebsites /b /p pbPosition Description /b /p pThe Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I), in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano, invites applications for a PhD position focused on AI-guided design of programmable intelligent metamaterials. /p pThe emergence of bintelligent and re-programmable metamaterials /b — bengineered systems whose functional properties arise from geometry and architecture rather than chemistry alone /b — marks a paradigm shift in how materials interact with their environment. Unlike conventional materials with fixed, intrinsic behavior, these metamaterials can bsense external stimuli, process information, and dynamically modify their response in real time /b. They embody a new class of programmable matter, where structural geometry and embedded functionality combine to achieve adaptive mechanical, acoustic, or electromechanical performance. /p pSuch systems hold great promise in fields ranging from vibration and noise control to wearable haptics, soft robotics, and human–machine interfaces. However, the design and control of architectures capable of robust, reversible reconfiguration remain unsolved challenges. Traditional trial‑and‑error or intuition-based design approaches cannot cope with the combinatorial complexity arising from multi‑material interactions, nonlinear responses, and distributed actuation. /p pThis PhD project aims to bdevelop AI-guided design frameworks for programmable metamaterials that integrate sensing, actuation, and control directly into their architecture /b, enabling breal-time reconfiguration and functional adaptation /b. The ultimate objective is to establish computational and experimental methodologies for materials that can be digitally programmed — much like software — to exhibit distinct physical behaviors on demand. /p pbMethods and techniques that will be developed and used to carry out the research /b /p pThe research will combine machine learning, multi‑physics simulation, and additive manufacturing in an integrated workflow for designing and realizing re‑programmable metamaterials. /p pbKey methodologies include: /b /p ul libGenerative deep learning models /b (Graph Neural Networks, Diffusion Models, Transformers) to explore design spaces and synthesize architectures with tunable mechanical or electromechanical responses. /li libPhysics-informed and multi-objective optimization frameworks /b, coupling finite-element simulations with AI-based surrogates to enable rapid evaluation and tuning of programmable states. /li libEmbedding actuation and sensing mechanisms /b within the geometric design process, supporting heterogeneous architectures that combine passive load-bearing elements with active functional layers or distributed control nodes. /li libIntegration of Large Language Models (LLMs) /b to assist in translating high-level functional specifications (e.g., “attenuate vibrations in the frequency range 1‑10 kHz”) into parametric design constraints. /li libClosed-loop digital workflows /b that connect AI design, simulation feedback, and experimental data for model-based re-programming of the fabricated metamaterial. /li libAdditive manufacturing and testing /b of physical prototypes — such as intelligent vibration absorbers, adaptive haptic surfaces, or acoustically tunable structures — to validate their real-time programmability. /li /ul pThrough this synergy between AI-driven design, embedded intelligence, and real-time control, the project will establish the foundations for programmable metamaterials capable of switching functions or adapting to changing environments on demand. /p pbEducational Objectives /b /p pThe doctoral candidate will develop bboth specialized expertise in intelligent metamaterials and broad scientific and problem‑solving skills essential for independent research /b. /p pIn particular, the student will: /p ul liGain advanced knowledge in machine learning, computational mechanics, and materials engineering, bridging digital and physical design. /li liMaster generative and physics-informed AI models for the inverse design of reconfigurable, multi-functional materials. /li liAcquire proficiency in multi-physics simulation, optimization, and additive manufacturing, linking theory to experimental validation. /li liLearn real-time control and re-programming techniques for adaptive, sensor-embedded structures. /li liDevelop critical thinking, analytical, and quantitative reasoning skills, enabling the formulation and solution of complex research problems. /li liStrengthen communication, teamwork, and project management abilities for effective collaboration in interdisciplinary and international settings. /li /ul pOverall, the PhD project will train a versatile researcher capable of combining data-driven design, physical insight, and creative problem solving to advance the field of programmable intelligent materials. /p pThe PhD will open diverse career paths at the interface between artificial intelligence, materials science, and advanced manufacturing, spanning both academic and industrial domains. /p pConducted jointly within AI4I – the Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence – and Politecnico di Milano, the project will take place in a collaborative, international environment, offering direct interaction with leading AI researchers and industrial partners across multiple sectors. /p pGraduates will be well prepared for: /p ul liResearch and academic positions in universities and institutes focused on intelligent materials and computational design. /li liRD and innovation roles in industries such as aerospace, robotics, automotive, and digital manufacturing. /li liTechnology and startup initiatives applying AI-driven design to advanced materials and engineered products. /li /ul pbScholarships and Financial support /b /p ul liIn case of a change of the welfare rates during the three-year period, the amount could be modified. /li libIncrease for stays abroad: /b € 750,00 per month, for up to 6 months /li /ul pbAdditional Support /b /p ul libEducational activities support: /b The Ph.D. course supports the educational activities of its Ph.D. students with an additional funding equal to 10% of the scholarship, starting from the first year. /li libTeaching assistantship: /b There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support to the teaching practice. /li /ul pThe PhD is encouraged to take part in these activities, within the limits allowed by the regulations. /p ul libComputer availability: /b Each Ph.D. student has his/her own computer for individual use. /li libDesk availability: /b Each Ph.D. student has his/her own desk, cabinet and locker. /li /ul pbWhat We Offer /b /p ul liA stimulating, ambitious and collaborative research environment within AI4I’s and Politecnico di Milano’s international, interdisciplinary ecosystem. /li liThe opportunity to co-author high-impact publications and help define emerging paradigms in AI-guided materials design. /li liTailored mentoring to support your long-term academic or industry career trajectory. /li liAccess to high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure and state-of-the-art fabrication and testing facilities. /li liOpportunities for international collaborations (e.g., UC Berkeley, Penn State, Imperial College London). /li /ul pbHow to Apply /b /p pApplications for this position are managed by Politecnico di Milano. /p pPlease apply via the official PhD admissions portal. For additional information, please visit the official PhD description. /p pbAbout Us /b /p pbAI4I – The Italian Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence /b /p pAI4I has been founded to perform transformative, application-oriented research in Artificial Intelligence. /p pAI4I is set to engage and empower gifted, entrepreneurial, young researchers who commit to producing an impact at the intersection of science, innovation, and industrial transformation. /p pHighly competitive pay, bonus incentives, access to dedicated high-performance computing, state-of-the-art laboratories, industrial collaborations, and an ecosystem tailored to support the initiation and growth of startups stand out as some of the distinctive features of AI4I, bringing together people in a dynamic international environment. /p pAI4I is an Institute that aims to enhance scientific research, technological transfer, and, more generally, the innovation capacity of the Country, promoting its positive impact on industry, services, and public administration. To this end, the Institute contributes to creating a research and innovation infrastructure that employs artificial intelligence methods, with particular reference to manufacturing processes, within the framework of the Industry 4.0 process and its entire value chain. The Institute establishes relationships with similar entities and organizations in Italy and abroad, including Competence Centers and European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), so that the center may become an attractive place for researchers, companies, and start-ups. /p pWebsite: /p pbSeniority level /b: Entry level /p pbEmployment type /b: Full-time /p pbJob function /b: Research, Engineering, and Science /p pbIndustries /b: Research Services, Civil Engineering, and Manufacturing /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr