Research Associate/Ph.D. Candidate (m/f/d) on the topic of “Multi-scale strain energy-based fatigue damage modelling of fibre reinforced polymers”

 

The Institute of Structural Analysis welcomes applications for the following position: Research Associate/Ph.D. Candidate (m/f/d) on the topic of “Multi-scale strain energy-based fatigue damage modelling of fibre reinforced polymers” (Salary Scale 13 TV-L, 100 %) The position starting in August, 2024 and is limited for a duration of 3 years with the possibility of extension. A doctorate within the framework of the advertised position is certainly desired.

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

Continuous fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) hold high potential to satisfy the requirements of industries such as aviation, marine systems and wind energy regarding high structural loads at minimum weight. They enable renewable energy from wind, sustainable, energy-efficient aviation and resource-efficient buildings. The prediction and understanding of their fatigue behaviour under operational loads are highly relevant topics in theoretical and applied research. In recent years, several fatigue damage models for FRP have already been presented. Most models require a large amount of experimental input for proper calibration. The need for costly and time-consuming experiments is not only due to the mechanical complexity of the fatigue damage process of composite materials, but also because many models have to compensate for a conceptual lack of physical consistency. In this ambitious project, we minimize the experimental effort with a multi-scale simulation approach to propose a fatigue damage model for FRP based on a new energy metric.

Your role

• The position offers an interesting research challenge in a DFG (German Research Foundation) funded project at the interface of fundamental and applied research
• You act in close collaboration with a renowned research institution
• The successful candidate will work on extending the state of the art regarding the fatigue damage modelling of fiber-reinforced

Who are we looking for?

Formal requirements include a scientific university degree (master-level) in engineering or related fields. You will be provided with counsel and support, however, the ability for self-motivated and independent work is essential. Good English and basic German language skills are required.

This task requires a profound background in computational mechanics and mechanics of materials. Knowledge concerning technical aspects of composites and practical engineering skills are beneficial. Willingness to support teaching activities is expected.

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore particularly encourage applications for the above-mentioned position from women. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

Why join us?

With more than 5000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

As a family-friendly university, working hours can be organised according to various flexible models. Part-time employment as well as remote work (mobile work, work from home) can therefore be arranged upon request. We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

To promote health and well-being among employees, we offer an extensive sports programme with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.

 

Applications should include a curriculum vitae and the usual transcripts and certificates. All documents should be merged into a single PDF file. Please submit applications including the above-mentioned documents by July 9, 2024 concerning the internal code ‘position 142’ in the electronic form to