Postdoctoral Researcher
Multiscale, Thermomechanical Characterisation of Advanced,
High Temperature Materials for Power Generation
College of Engineering & Informatics
NUIG Ref. No. 110-14
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for an 8-month fixed term contract as Postdoctoral
Researcher to be based in Mechanical engineering at the College of Engineering & Informatics at NUI
Galway.
This is an SFI-funded joint project between Mechanical Engineering at NUI Galway and the University of
Limerick, with collaboration from ESB Energy International and the University of Nottingham in the UK. The
project focuses on the development of advanced materials technology for high efficiency, low CO2 emission
fossil-fuel power-plant. This programme will develop a novel methodology to predict degradation under
conditions relevant to next generation power generation plant. The key novelty will be the development of a
combined experimental and computational multi-scale methodology for creep-fatigue (thermo-mechanical
fatigue) interaction. Macroscopic models at the power-plant component level will furnish appropriate
boundary conditions to a physically-based combined continuum-crystal (visco-) plasticity material model to
determine the polycrystalline microscopic stress-strain distributions. A key challenge is the identification and
incorporation of dominant creep and fatigue micro-structural degradation mechanisms.
The key tasks involved in the position are (i) the development of finite element methods for modelling
thermo-mechanical deformation and damage, (ii) coordination of a high temperature fatigue test programme
and (iii) development of multi-scale models for failure assessment of relevant industrial case studies in
collaboration with ESB Energy International.
The successful candidate will:
(i) hold a PhD in a solid mechanics, materials modelling or a closely related discipline
(ii) have a strong publication record
(iii) have excellent communication skills
(iv) be expected to assist in the supervision of PhD students
(v) possess a good knowledge of finite element modelling, ideally in Abaqus.
The duration of the post will be 8 months and the successful applicant will be invited to take up the NUI
Galway post as soon as possible.
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Salary scale: €37,750 - €41,181 per annum (public sector pay policy pertaining to new entrants will apply)
Information about Mechanical Engineering at NUI Galway can be found at
(http://www.nuigalway.ie/engineering-informatics/mechanical-engineering/). Informal enquiries about this
post can be made to Professor Sean Leen: sean.leen@nuigalway.ie (Tel: +353-91-495955).
To Apply: Applications (Covering letter, CV and contact details of three referees) should be sent to
Professor Sean Leen, Mechanical Engineering, NUI Galway or to sean.leen@nuigalway.ie. Please ensure
to put the reference number NUIG 110-14 in the subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5:00 p.m. on Monday 8th December 2014
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.