Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Mechanics of Sustainable Materials for Zero Emission Architecture

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in  mechanics of sustainable materials for zero emission architecture.

The post is available initially for a fixed-term duration of 2 years.

This  is a 2 year research project integrated in a large EU collaboration  “ZEBAI: Innovative methodologies for the design of Zero-Emission and cost-effective Buildings enhanced by Artificial Intelligence”, an ambitious integrative project in which a broad range of interdisciplinary teams collaborate in defining a novel methodology enhanced by AI to design and construct zero-emission buildings (ZEB). ZEBAI addresses the challenge of achieve ZEB from the initial phases of the building design, and tests four representative demonstrators (located in Ukraine, Spain, United Kingdom, and Netherlands).

The holder of this post will lead  the mechanical modelling and characterisation of construction materials strand of ZEBAI, bridging Sonia Contera’s lab (Oxford Physics) and Antoine Jerusalem’s group (Oxford Engineering Science).

This is a good opportunity to do applied research and potentially generate intellectual property with high impact, in collaboration with industry in an area  of great academic and industrial expansion both in academia and in industry. The postdoc will be encouraged to liaise with industry. A mentorship programme is available to the postholder, with a strong emphasis on career progression and professional development.

The work of the successful candidate will involve modelling structures at the nano/micro/macroscales at relevant temperatures/humidities/mechanical loading conditions by conducting: (1) mechanical characterisation of materials at the macro using Instron (e.g. static testing as tensile, compression, bend, peel, tear, shear, friction or puncture),  and (2) numerical thermomechanical modelling, (3) calibration and validation of constitutive models against experimental mechanical characterisation, (4) implementation in finite element model, and (5) implement the model and characterisation data in the AI wrapper in collaboration with Lurtis Ltd.

The experimental part of the work will have technical support; training will be provided by the host labs.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.

Applicants should hold a PhD, or be close to completion in physics, mechanical engineering or a related field and have a strong background in  numerical modelling of materials.

We will also consider candidates with strong experimental background that are willing to be trained in numerical modelling.

We encourage female candidates and members  from other underrepresented groups in physics and engineering to apply.

Previous experience in the field of mechanical properties of materials will be an advantage.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate ability to work in multidisciplinary projects, and have good academic writing and communication skills. Previous activity in equality and diversity will be valued positively, and should be included in cover letters/CV.

Please direct enquiries about the role to Sonia Contera.

Only applications received before midday (UK time) 4th April 2024 can be considered. You will be required to upload a statement of research interests, CV and details of two referees as part of your online application.