20 Aug 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Université Gustave Eiffel
- Department: MAST-SMC
- Research Field: Physics » Acoustics; Mathematics » Applied mathematics; Technology » Measurement technology; Engineering » Mechanical engineering; Engineering » Civil engineering
Offer Description
Context and objectives:
Cables are essential components of many civil engineering structures, particularly cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges and prestressed structures. Their behavior directly affects the safety, durability and availability of these infrastructures. However, their monitoring remains complex, as damage may be localized, progressive, difficult to access and sometimes barely visible before reaching an advanced stage. Currently used methods, including visual inspections, punctual monitoring, non-destructive testing or local instrumentation, provide useful information but are often limited in space or time.
In this context, the SURCADAS project aims to investigate the potential of DAS technology, for Distributed Acoustic Sensing, applied to the monitoring of cables in civil engineering structures. This approach relies on the use of an optical fiber as a distributed sensor, capable of detecting and locating acoustic and vibratory disturbances along its path. It could therefore offer more extensive and more continuous monitoring, suitable for detecting events such as wire breaks.
The objective of the postdoctoral work will be to establish a critical review of existing cable monitoring methods, and then to experimentally assess the relevance of DAS instrumentation on a representative cable in the laboratory.
In collaboration with the project partners, the work will consist of:
- finalizing an experimental protocol;
- implementing and carrying out the experiment;
- analyzing and comparing the experimental results in terms of detection, localization and discrimination of the measured events;
- writing a summary report on the positioning of this technology compared with more conventional approaches.
Where to apply
E-mail: yannick.falaise@univ-eiffel.fr
Requirements
Skills/Qualifications
The position is open to candidates holding a PhD in signal processing, applied mathematics, acoustics or a related discipline. The recruited candidate should have strong skills in the analysis of acoustic and/or vibratory signals. Experience in instrumentation, experimental data analysis or distributed optical fiber measurements will be considered an asset.
Scientific programming skills, particularly in Python or MATLAB, will be useful for data processing and analysis. The recruited candidate should also be autonomous, rigorous and able to manage experimental tests, from their preparation through to the exploitation of the results, in collaboration with the different project partners. Critical thinking will be expected in order to objectively assess the performance of DAS technology and compare it with other existing cable monitoring methods.
Good written and oral communication skills are expected. Proficiency in French is desirable, but English-speaking candidates may also be considered.
Languages: FRENCH - Level: Good
Languages: ENGLISH - Level: Good
Research Field: Technology » Measurement technology; Physics » Acoustics; Engineering » Mechanical engineering; Engineering » Civil engineering
Additional Information
Benefits
The postdoctoral contract will have a duration of 12 months. The salary will be defined according to the actual salary scales at Université Gustave Eiffel.
Selection process
This work will be carried out in France, at Université Gustave Eiffel, on the Nantes campus, within the MAST-SMC laboratory. The supervision will be provided by Bastien Vaurigaud from Cerema, and by Yannick Falaise, Xavier Chapeleau and Laurent Gaillet from Université Gustave Eiffel.
Please send a CV and a cover letter to Yannick Falaise: yannick.falaise@univ-eiffel.fr.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Université Gustave Eiffel - Campus de Nantes
- Country: France
- State/Province: Loire-Atlantique
- City: Bouguenais
- Postal Code: 44344
- Street: Allée des Ponts et Chaussées
Contact
- State/Province: Loire-Atlantique
- City: Bouguenais
- Website: https://smc.univ-gustave-eiffel.fr/
- Street: Allée des ponts et chaussées
- Postal Code: 44344
- E-Mail: yannick.falaise@univ-eiffel.fr
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!