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.