TITLE OF POST: Post Doctoral Researcher in Microstructural Modelling of Materials (Re-advertisement)
LOCATION: University of Limerick
REPORTS TO: Project Leader
CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose
SALARY SCALE: €37,750 - €46,255 p.a.
JOB DESCRIPTION
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related discipline.
Doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) completed or at final stages of completion in Materials Science,
Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
To carry out research in the area of mechanics of materials, to report the results of the research to project
partners, academic colleagues and sponsors, and to publish the results in refereed journals.
DESCRIPTION:
Applications are invited for the above position.
The object of the research, which is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), is to obtain an
understanding of the mechanical behaviour of ferritic and martensitic steels at the micron and sub-micron
scale and to link this behaviour to component behaviour. The project involves computational and
experimental studies of material behaviour using a range of experimental and numerical techniques.
Computational methods will be based on non-linear finite-element techniques, and phase-field methods to
predict microstructure evolution. In addition specially designed experimental tests will be carried out to
validate the models. Experimental techniques are expected to include, in-situ and ex-situ scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), neutron and synchrotron
diffraction, digital image correlation (DIC) and mechanical testing.
The successful candidate will be based at the University of Limerick (UL) and the research will be carried
out in collaboration with the National University of Ireland, Galway and the mechanics of materials group
at Imperial College London. The industry partners are ESB (Ireland’s largest electricity supplier) and MCS,
Kenny, a world leader in engineering and software solutions for the offshore oil and gas industry.
Applicants should be experienced in computational mechanics, with an appropriate publication record in
the field, and have an interest in mechanics of materials and experimental techniques in engineering. The
position will have an emphasis on modelling techniques applied to microstructure evolution during
processing (welding) and service (high temperature stress conditions) primarily based on phase field
modelling to represent the evolution of grain boundaries and precipitate boundaries. Ultimately the goal
will be to combine phase field model predictions with finite-element models to carry out coupled
microstructure-stress-strain evolution models. Candidates should also have an appreciation for
experimental techniques to be used to validate the models. The successful candidates will be capable of
working within a team environment and providing appropriate technical assistance to PhD students in the
team.
The position is initially funded for 3 years.
Job description
Essential Criteria:
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related discipline.
Doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) completed or at final stages of completion in Materials Science,
Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
Experienced in computational mechanics.
Good publication record in the field of computational mechanics.
Have an interest in mechanics of materials and experimental techniques in engineering.
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Desirable Criteria:
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Experience of working with industry.
An appreciation for experimental techniques.
Capable of working within a team environment.
Ability to provide appropriate technical assistance to PhD students in the team.
Publications in the area of phase field modeling to predict evolving material microstructure.
Job description