PhD in Structural, Seismic and Geotechnical Engineering

PhD in Structural, Seismic and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSG)Research TitleAI-Guided Design of Programmable Intelligent MetamaterialsDeadlineDecember 18th 2025, 2PM (CEST)Start Date1 February 2026Funded byThe Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I), in collaboration with Politecnico di MilanoThe 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.intelligent and re‑programmable metamaterials — engineered systems whose functional properties arise from geometry and architecture rather than chemistry alone — marks a paradigm shift in how materials interact with their environment. Unlike conventional materials with fixed, intrinsic behavior, these metamaterials can sense external stimuli, process information, and dynamically modify their response in real time. They embody a new class of programmable matter, where structural geometry and embedded functionality combine to achieve adaptive mechanical, acoustic, or electromechanical performance.Such 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.This PhD project aims to develop AI‑guided design frameworks for programmable metamaterials that integrate sensing, actuation, and control directly into their architecture, enabling real‑time reconfiguration and functional adaptation. The ultimate objective is to establish computational and experimental methodologies for materials that can be digitally programmed — much like software — to exhibit distinct physical behaviours on demand.Methods and techniques that will be developed and used to carry out the researchThe research will combine machine learning, multi‑physics simulation, and additive manufacturing in an integrated workflow for designing and realizing re‑programmable metamaterials.Key methodologies include:Generative deep learning models (Graph Neural Networks, Diffusion Models, Transformers) to explore design spaces and synthesize architectures with tunable mechanical or electromechanical responses.Physics‑informed and multi‑objective optimisation frameworks, coupling finite‑element simulations with AI‑based surrogates to enable rapid evaluation and tuning of programmable states.Embedding actuation and sensing mechanisms within the geometric design process, supporting heterogeneous architectures that combine passive load‑bearing elements with active functional layers or distributed control nodes.Integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) to assist in translating high‑level functional specifications (e.g., “attenuate vibrations in the frequency range 1‑10 kHz”) into parametric design constraints.Closed‑loop digital workflows that connect AI design, simulation feedback, and experimental data for model‑based re‑programming of the fabricated metamaterial.Additive manufacturing and testing of physical prototypes — such as intelligent vibration absorbers, adaptive haptic surfaces, or acoustically tunable structures — to validate their real‑time programmability.Through 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.Educational ObjectivesThe doctoral candidate will develop both specialised expertise in intelligent metamaterials and broad scientific and problem‑solving skills essential for independent research.In particular, the student will:Gain advanced knowledge in machine learning, computational mechanics, and materials engineering, bridging digital and physical design.Master generative and physics‑informed AI models for the inverse design of re‑configurable, multi‑functional materials.Acquire proficiency in multi‑physics simulation, optimisation, and additive manufacturing, linking theory to experimental validation.Learn real‑time control and re‑programming techniques for adaptive, sensor‑embedded structures.Develop critical thinking, analytical, and quantitative reasoning skills, enabling the formulation and solution of complex research problems.Strengthen communication, teamwork, and project management abilities for effective collaboration in interdisciplinary and international settings.Overall, 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.The PhD will open diverse career paths at the interface between artificial intelligence, materials science, and advanced manufacturing, spanning both academic and industrial domains.Conducted 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.Graduates will be well prepared for:Research and academic positions in universities and institutes focused on intelligent materials and computational design.R&D and innovation roles in industries such as aerospace, robotics, automotive, and digital manufacturing.Technology and startup initiatives applying AI‑driven design to advanced materials and engineered products.The strong integration between AI4I’s research ecosystem and PoliMI’s academic excellence will equip the candidate with the technical and scientific foundation, as well as the global network, to pursue leadership roles in the emerging field of programmable intelligent materials.Scholarships and Financial supportMonthly scholarship: € 1500/month (max. 36 months).In case of a change of the welfare rates during the three‑year period, the amount could be modified.Increase for stays abroad: € 750,00 per month, for up to 6 monthsEducational activities support: 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.Teaching assistantship: There are various forms of financial aid for activities of support to the teaching practice.Computer availability: Each Ph.D. student has his/her own computer for individual use.Desk availability: Each Ph.D. student has his/her own desk, cabinet and locker.Additional SupportThe PhD is encouraged to take part in these activities, within the limits allowed by the regulations.What We OfferA stimulating, ambitious and collaborative research environment within AI4I’s and Politecnico di Milano’s international, interdisciplinary ecosystem.The opportunity to co‑author high‑impact publications and help define emerging paradigms in AI‑guided materials design.Tailored mentoring to support your long‑term academic or industry career trajectory.Access to high‑performance computing (HPC) infrastructure and state‑of‑the‑art fabrication and testing facilities.Opportunities for international collaborations (e.g. UC Berkeley, Penn State, Imperial College London).How to ApplyApplications for this position are managed by Politecnico di Milano.Please apply via the official PhD admissions portal. For additional information, please visit the official PhD description.About UsAI4I – The Italian Research Institute for Artificial IntelligenceAI4I has been founded to perform transformative, application‑oriented research in Artificial Intelligence.AI4I 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.Highly 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.AI4I 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 organisations in Italy and abroad, including Competence Centres and European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), so that the centre may become an attractive place for researchers, companies, and start‑ups.Website: