Postdoctoral Researcher in Modelling of Composite Materials Manufacturing Processes

Applicants are invited for the above post, starting Sept 1st, 2011 or soon thereafter, which is funded by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, through the Competence Centre Programme. The successful candidate will be required to carry out modelling activities related to polymer matrix composites manufacturing, particularly by automated tow placement and liquid resin infusion processes. Developed models will be expected to assist design of concurrent experimental programmes, carried out by other researchers. Modelling of resin infusion will require innovative use of commercial software, while modelling of automated tow placement will most likely require development of bespoke software tools as well as use of commercial software. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential since the work will be carried out in close co-operation with other Postdoctoral Researchers and the industrial partners in IComp. The successful candidate will be expected to work independently, contribute to leading the research direction, and supervise and direct the work of others. The ability to write scientific publications, research reports and proposals as well as make presentations to funding bodies and at conferences is essential. He/she will be based at the University of Limerick (UL) and the research will be carried out in collaboration with the UL Materials and Surface Science Institute (www.ul.ie/mssi).   Applicants must have: ·         A PhD in a relevant area·         At least two Web of Science publications·         At least two years of experience in computational modelling of composite materials ·          The following are desirable: ·         Experience of modelling composites manufacturing processes such as ATL or RFI·         Experience with some or all of the following: ABAQUS (including programming of user-defined subroutines), PAM-RTM, COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB·         Computer programming experience for engineering/scientific applications·         Strong verbal and written communication skills·         Ability to work both independently and in a team ·         Ability to provide direction to the research, and supervisory and appropriate technical assistance to PhD students in the research group  Funding is initially available for the post for 2 years, with the possibility for extension. Informal enquiries about the post may be made to Dr Terry McGrailIComp Technology Leader Email: (terry.mcgrail@ul.ie)