Multiple Postdoctoral/Research Engineer Positions at Masdar Institute in collaboration with MIT

Advanced Materials and 3D Printing Lab at Masdar Institute invites applications for Project-Postdoctoral Positions to work on a multi-disciplinary collaborative project funded by GASCO (ADNOC), Abu Dhabi.  Successful candidate(s) will work in the Institute Center for Energy (iEnergy) and will be based in Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) department at Masdar Institute. These positions warrant regular communication with the international collaborative team (MIT, TAMU and Lockheed Martin). 

Project Description

The goal of this proposed research is to design multifunctional polymer matrix composites with hybrid microstructure and designed-in properties. A combined multiscale modeling and experimental approach will be employed in conjunction with detailed material characterization techniques. One of the key objectives of the proposed research is to develop composites with superior inter- and intra-laminar strength and toughness via nanoscale fiber reinforcement of microfiber composites. The Research Fellow(s) will work in the area of design, manufacturing, characterization and testing of CNT FRP composites with an objective of optimizing structural and functional response under a range of loading conditions.  Candidates shall have a PhD degree in a relevant discipline (Mechanical, Materials or Aerospace Engineering) from a reputed university.

Position #1:  Job Code: MME-PDSK012016

Background and Experience in two or more of the following areas are essential

• Manufacturing of polymer composites [Resin transfer molding (RTM), Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM)
• Characterization of damage and fracture in composites
• Experimental evaluation of composites including strain mapping by 3D digital image correlation (DIC)
• Additive manufacturing and 3D printing
• Micro- and nano-structural characterization of composites using SEM, TEM, AFM etc.

Position #2:  Job Code: MME-PDSK022016

Background and Experience in two or more of the following areas are essential

• Strong background and experience in multi-scale modeling of hybrid composites
• Damage and fracture mechanics of hyper-elastic soft composites
• Experience in writing user subroutines (for example UMAT for Abaqus FEA), working knowledge of MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica and Python scripting for parametric studies in Abaqus FEA
• Background in composite hybrid joints/structural repairs
• Multi-physics through-process modeling (TPM) of composites
• Lattice and Architectured materials
• Soft and color Composites
• MD Simulations of CNT/Graphene polymer composites
• Modeling of thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of multi-scale polymer composites

Desired Skills

• Established track record evidenced by publications in top quality journals
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Positive attitude, flexibility, willingness and desire to work in a multidisciplinary international research group
• Demonstrated ability to formulate, plan and conduct research with specific objectives and milestones
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and in team-oriented research environment
• Strong analytical skills, inter-personnel skills, and innovative thinking

About Masdar Institute

Masdar Institute (www.masdar.ac.ae) is the world's first graduate-level university dedicated to providing real-world solutions to issues of sustainability. The Institute's goal is to become a world-class research-driven graduate-level university, focusing on advanced energy and sustainable technologies. The Institute, which was created in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. Masdar Institute is situated in Masdar City (www.masdar.ae), an emerging global clean-technology cluster that aims to be one of the world's most sustainable urban developments, powered by renewable energy and providing students and researchers with a unique opportunity to live and learn in a true "living laboratory" environment.

Package

These positions will offer a very competitive tax-free salary package ($78K-$85K) and will be for an initial duration of 12 months, extendable (up to 3 years) depending on the performance.

Application submittal information

Application materials should include:

• Applicant name and contact information
• A curriculum vitae
• Statements of research and teaching
• An application letter describing the applicant’s current position and how his/her experience matches the position requirements
• E-mail contact information for at least three references

Materials must be submitted electronically as a single PDF file to Dr. S Kumar (s.kumar@eng.oxon.org) specifying the Job Code.Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Candidates are expected to start at the earliest possible date. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for a follow-up interview.