We are looking for a PhD researcher to work at numerical simulations of the electro-mechanical response of nano-reinforced polymers. The position is fully funded including tuition fees and a competitive maintenance/salary (of approximately 3k euros/month), as well as additional benefits for those with a family. The researcher will work towards a PhD in Mechanics of Composites at Imperial College London, Department of Aeronautics, under the supervision of Dr V.L. Tagarielli and Dr S.T. Pinho and in collaboration with several research groups in London and across Europe. The position is immediately available.
The project will focus on performing numerical simulations using advanced Finite Element and mesh-free techniques, with the objective of predicting the coupled electro-mechanical response of polymer matrices reinforced with carbon nano-tubes and other fillers, across multiple lengthscales. Research will involve also some theoretical and experimental work and frequent interaction with other research groups across Europe.
Essential requirements:
- EU nationality; not already holding a PhD or equivalent title; not being a British national and not having lived in the UK for more than 1 year in the past 3 years.
- A first class degree (top 5%) from a reputable university.
- First degree or Masters in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering or similar.
- Demonstrable, sound knowledge of continuum mechanics, mechanics of materials and of the Finite Element method.
- Experience in programming and developing original code, e.g. subroutines for commercial FE software (e.g. Abaqus) or other bespoke FE software.
Desirable requirements:
- Experience with other simulation techniques such as mesh-free methods.
- Publication in international journals.
Interested candidates are invited to apply by sending an email to Dr Vito Tagarielli (v.tagarielli [at] imperial.ac.uk (v[dot]tagarielli[at]imperial[dot]ac[dot]uk)), including a full CV and any relevant attachments. Applications should mention in the subject line the project code “NANO” and should include a very brief cover letter, explaining how the candidate meets the post requirements detailed above. Not all emails will be acknowledged; only shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email to arrange a formal interview.
The position is immediately available; applications received by the end of August 2015 will be assessed promptly. Interested candidates meeting the requirements above are invited to apply as soon as possible.