Doctoral scholarship holder Cracking and healing of bituminous materials

Department: Faculty of Applied Engineering
Regime Full-time

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The research group SuPAR  (Sustainable Pavements and Asphalt Research) of the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Cracking and healing of bituminous materials.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis entitled “Investigation of Crack resistance and Healing in BITuminous materials (CrasHBIT)”. The main objective of this thesis is to improve our fundamental understanding of cracking and healing in bituminous materials at various scales for multiple mixture designs. To accomplish this, the analysis is performed at the micro- and meso-scale (binder and mortar), and novel methods based on optical measurement systems and machine learning techniques are used to explore cracking and healing in bituminous materials. The developed techniques are then applied to investigate several paving materials currently used in Flanders, including reclaimed asphalt binder and rejuvenators, which are used in the development of more sustainable roads with less distresses and higher healing capability. With your research you will contribute to "Make Asphalt Smart"!
• During your research you will also cooperate with A. Varveri  (TUDelft, The Netherlands). You are willing to go to The Netherlands for an extended period (2 and 4 months) for a research exchange, or another partner from our/your international network.
• You communicate about your research by publishing in A1 journals and giving presentations at (inter)national conferences.
• You take on limited tasks of educational support within the department of civil engineering technology , such as supervising scientific projects, bachelor's thesis and master's thesis, all related to your own doctoral research or broader expertise. Depending on your background, you will be involved in one course as an assistant.
• You take on limited tasks of research support within SuPAR and the laboratory, such as actively participating in LEAN sessions, helping in the organization of our annual AIS  symposium, assisting the lab managers or technical staff, ...

Profile

• You hold a Master of Science degree, preferably in Mechanical, Construction, Civil, or Transportation Engineering (either Industrial Engineering or Engineering Sciences), Physics, or equivalent.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results (minimum distinction and preferably great distinction).
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision .
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Your knowledge of English is good, both in written and oral communication. We aim for a minimum starting level of B2 . If available, provide proof by adding one of the following items to the attachments: an IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent test result.
• You have carried out a master's thesis or previous research related to the research topic, preferably investigating one of the following: material behavior, fracture mechanics, damage and healing processes, or bituminous materials (either on the binder or mortar scale).
• Experience with optical (microscopy) measurement techniques, Machine Learning, and/or Finite Element Modelling is considered a bonus.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
• The planned start date is June 1st , 2024, or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts  for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at campus Groenenborger (Wilrijk)  in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. There is also flexibility allowing you to work from home, or even abroad in certain circumstances.
• Our international group  (8 nationalities) currently consists of 4 professors, 5 postdoctoral researchers, 12 PhD students and 5 supporting staff. You will get sufficient support from many of them before (e.g. visa application, finding a place to stay, …) and during your PhD research.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including February 5th  2024. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
  • the requested diplomas,
  • a motivation letter,
  • your academic CV,
  • a one-page summary of your master’s thesis (in English),
  • and optionally proof of your English proficiency.
• The selection committee will review all the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. By February 12th  2024 at the latest, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure. Please make a note of the following date in case you are selected for the second stage interview: February 21st  2024. We will consider the time difference as much as possible.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Cedric Vuye ([email protected] ) or dr. Navid Hasheminejad ([email protected] ). However, we will not screen any CVs on beforehand.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.