Post-Doc Position: Hybrid Physics​/AI-Driven Acoustic Sensing Monitoring of Critical Infrast

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 Final date to receive applications 2 Mar 2026 - 12:00 (Africa/Abidjan) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 36 Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 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

We invite applications from talented individuals to join our cutting‑edge research team at the Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, as a Post‑Doctoral Researcher.

The Robotic Mechanisms and Materials (RMM) and the Photonic Sensors Integrated Systems laboratories at the Institute of Mechanical Intelligence jointly offer a prestigious research opportunity in the field of advanced sensing technologies for structural monitoring, combining applied mechanics, acoustics, and artificial intelligence.

The project is centered on Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), a cutting‑edge technology that transforms an already-installed optical fiber (dark fiber) into a continuous array of vibration sensors. In recent years, DAS has gained significant momentum thanks to its ability to perform real‑time, long‑range monitoring of dynamic events. These capabilities make DAS particularly attractive for applications such as earthquake detection, seismic and vibration monitoring, traffic flow analysis, and structural health monitoring of civil infrastructures.

The main goal of the project is to push beyond the current diagnostic limits of DAS technology, exploring new detection capabilities and opening novel application scenarios, e.g. railway industry. A strong emphasis will be placed on the integration of data‑driven and AI‑based approaches to extract meaningful information from complex physical signals.

The research activities will include:

• theoretical and numerical analysis of the physical principles underlying DAS, with a focus on strain wave generation and propagation;
• investigation of measurements boundary conditions, particularly the role of acoustic impedance at the interface between the monitored structure and the optical fiber; fiber position and depth etc.;
• characterization of spectral and temporal signatures associated with different types of events or structural defects;
• development and training of innovative deep learning algorithms for signal interpretation, classification, and anomaly detection such as: joint breaks, wear, and ballast drift.

The successful candidate will:

• join a cross‑disciplinary team composed of mechanical, computer, and electronic engineers and physicists;
• investigate theoretically and experimentally vibro‑acoustics phenomena (strain wave generation, acoustic soil‑propagation etc.) and how they are influenced by complex damage events;
• conceive physics‑based damage detection algorithms based on classical signal processing techniques and support the development of empowered deep‑learning routines based on simulation outcomes;
• take part in the validation and characterization of a DAS system on a real‑industrial scenario.

We are seeking a passionate and highly motivated candidate with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or Physics.

(see specific requirements below)

• Role:
  Post‑Doctoral Researcher (2 years)
• Start date:
  Please inquire for details
• Duration: 2 years

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.

Interested candidates should write an e‑mail to 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.

E‑m…