PhD Position in Science at the University of Luxembourg

The University of Luxembourg seeks a highly motivated PhD scholar for participating in a PhD Position in science for the academic session 2021-2022.

Summary

Project Description

The University of Luxembourg aspires to be one of Europe’s most highly regarded universities with a distinctly international and interdisciplinary character. It fosters the cross-fertilisation of research and teaching, is relevant to its country, is known worldwide for its research and teaching in targeted areas, and is establishing itself as an innovative model for contemporary European Higher Education.

The University`s core asset is its well-connected world-class academic staff which will attract the most motivated, talented and creative students and young researchers who will learn to enjoy taking up challenges and develop into visionary thinkers able to shape society. The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) contributes multi-disciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.

Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens to understand better, explain and advance the society and environment we live in.

Your Role

The objective is to investigate and model macroscopic concrete flow behaviour with regard to both the influence of the interface layer at the wall and the particle interactions, being the critical issues for fundamental modelling of concrete rheology. The aim of the project is to investigation and modelling of time- and shear-dependent microstructure and rheological properties of cementitious suspensions subjected to shear by applying the Immersed Boundary Method (IBM).

Therefore, In this project, the addressed vital issues are

• Shear-induced particle migration (SIPM)
• Interface layer and its formation mechanisms
• Local shear rates induced by larger particles and their effect on microstructure and rheology taking chemical and physical-based particle-particle inter-actions into account

Only a scale-bridging approach from the micro-scale (d_particleparticle≤4 mm) to the macro-scale (d_particle>4 mm) enables to address these issues adequately and, herewith, achieve the goal to model and predict the flow behaviour. Here, suspensions relevant to the construction industry, i.e. cement paste and concrete containing super-plasticiser, are considered in this project.

Application Deadline

The application is open now

Eligibility Criteria

Your Profile

• Master in applied science or similar with a focus on fluid dynamics
• Familiar with the Immersed Boundary Method (IBM), preferably in OpenFoam and the Discrete Particle Method (DEM)
• Willingness to be familiarised with the XDEM Software platform
• One of the working languages: English (mandatory), German or French
• Willingness to work in an inter-cultural environment
• Highly independent, motivated and persistence in tackling and completing challenging tasks

We Offer:

• A dynamic and well-equipped research environment within XDEM research team www.xdem.de
• Intensive training in scientific and transferable skills, participation in schools. conferences and workshops
• Fixed-term employee contracts, subject to review at UL
• Personal workspace at UL

In Short

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month – extendable up to 48 months if required
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL03938

 Here’s what awaits you at the University

• Multilingual and international character. A modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR). 
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. WiFi on campus. Close ties to the business world and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs

Application Process

Before proceeding with the submission of your application, please prepare the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter (maximum one pages) detailing how you meet the selection criteria for the given research direction
• Publication list
• Copies of diplomas, transcripts with grades, with English, French or German translation

Early application is positively encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as critical values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only in the recruitment and career progression of our staff.

Apply Now