Early-Stage Researcher
(PhD student position)

Objectives

Advanced layered ceramics are extensively applied in different engineering fields with high economic and societal impacts ranging from biomedicine, automotive engineering, aeronautic and aerospace industries, electronics, and renewable energy systems.

The principal aim of this ESR project will regard the consistent extension of both Phase Field approach and Finite Fracture Mechanics modeling as tools for predicting crack nucleation and growth in layered ceramics and thin films. This methodology will allow the robust analysis of the influence of flaws and grain sizes and will focus in particular on the role of residual stresses of various origins (thermal, chemical…) on the onset and growth of cracks.

Since both methods rely on a characteristic length, which should interact with the already mentioned sizes, it is expected to provide plausible explanations for relationships between the microstructure and fracture properties at the macro-scale. Special attention will be paid to natural structures such as mother-of-pearl, which has exceptional fracture properties. Extensions to other materials with a different microstructure (amorphous: polymers, glass) could be considered.

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.

EURAXESS offer ID: 491111