Early-Stage Researcher
(PhD student position)

Objectives

New computational methodologies based on the original formulations of CCFFM (w/discontinuous representation of cracks) and PF (w/regularized diffused representation of cracks) and the Principle of Minimum Total Energy subject to a Stress Condition will be developed and implemented in a FEM code to provide accurate and reliable predictions for complex mixed mode fracture problems involving simultaneous crack onset, propagation, and interactions with interfaces in anisotropic brittle materials.

New optimization procedures will be required, e.g., for CCFFM, a modified a staggered scheme aimed at global optimization in the feasible parameter-region given by the stress condition due to the efficiency of its computational implementation.

Novel forms of the degradation and local fracture energy functions will be proposed to impose stress conditions in PF. Staggered hybrid CCFFM and PF schemes, providing necessary information to the PF algorithm in terms of suitable boundary/interface conditions or prescribed values for PF damage variable in each time step, will be explored.

Validation of the computational tools developed by their application to industrial problems.

Benefits

A full-time fixed-term contract is offered. Marie Curie ITNs provide competitive financial support to the ESR including: a competitive monthly living and mobility allowance and salary, coverage of the expenses related to the participation of the ESR in research and training activities (contribution to research-related costs, meetings, conference attendance, training actions, etc.). The recruited researchers will have a regular contract with the same rights and obligations as any other staff member of the institution.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must at the time of recruitment:

1. Be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. The four years start to count from the date when a researcher obtained the degree (e.g. Master’s degree) which would formally entitle him/her to embark on a doctorate.
2. Candidates could be of any nationality but have not resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
3. Have not been awarded a doctoral degree.

Selection process

Applicants are evaluated by a selection committee on the basis of past academic performance (grades) and background, scientific relevance and aptitude to research, and any other additional pertinent data submitted in the application (such as scientific publications, if any).

The candidates that pass the initial assessment of the applications will be invited for an interview with the selection committee, either in person at the campus, or via standard internet videoconference. Equal opportunities are ensured to all candidates throughout the evaluation process.

The closing date of the call will be on June 30, after this date, the institution will make a first analysis of the candidates to determine that the candidates meet the requirements proposed by the call. The institution will publish within a maximum period of 15 working days the list of candidates admitted in the selection process. Non-selected candidates can claim objections to the selection process during three next working days after the announcement of the list. Final list of the admitted candidates will be announced within a maximum period of 10 working days.

EURAXESS offer ID: 489711