PhD Positions

Offer Description

Objectives: To develop a fast and robust framework for combined defect ICQ and structural integrity evaluation in advanced thermoplastic composites ultrasonically welded joints, using in situ Vibro-Thermography analyses (VTA) – a SoA LR NDI technique combining mechanical vibrations with infrared thermography to reveal hidden welding flaws – and a new ML model to translate the welding process parameters and VTA data directly into defect metrics that can be assessed for criticality, to assess any potential welding repair requirements. The following methodology is defined: i) Fabrication, VTA & XRM NDI, testing of representative lab-scale thermoplastic composite joints (e.g. SLS coupons representative of large-scale aerospace structural joints); ii) Initial ML tool development for defect ICQ and spatial mapping (develop & train a surrogate model on XRM-informed VTA data, for automated defect ICQ and mapping in welded joints); iii) Development & validation of a macro-scale digital shadowing tool for assessing defect criticality (using a SoA macro-scale modelling approach with cohesive surface representation of welded interfaces, implant the VTA-inspected disbond patterns. Validate this approach with experimental coupon data of step i), assessing defect severity and establishing novel single-defect DAC for welded joints); iv) Extend surrogate model to correlate between real-time VTA imaging and defect severity, using the numerical results, train the initial surrogate to statistically assess weld defect severity directly from VTA data. This project aims to make the design of damage-tolerant composite structures faster, smarter, and more reliable. As a team, we will develop a computational framework that links small-scale material defects to large-scale structural performance, enabling accurate prediction of how defects affect strength, stiffness, and fracture behaviour.

By combining detailed meso-scale models including defects with an adaptive shell-based macro model, the research will deliver an efficient two-scale simulation tool suitable for real industrial applications. The project outcome will include practical design guidelines and a robust analysis framework that helps engineers assess damage tolerance quickly—supporting safer, more cost-effective composite design in industry.

Expected Results: Data set on weld defect-dependent KDFs for QS SLS strength; A robust macro-scale digital shadowing tool to assess integrity of industrial-scale joints; A ML-based tool to complement VTA, capable of applying novel DAC during in situ inspection of welded joints. Industrial best practice guidelines for how to account for the possible effects of meso-scale defects when designing damage tolerant composite components; A novel computationally efficient framework with High Fidelity defect and variability representation, enabling fast and reliable structural damage tolerance assessment.

Secondments: The project will involve collaborations and secondments (in total 64 months during the first three years) at Airbus Universidade do Porto (Portugal) (UK), University of Kore (Italy) and Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy) and CHALMERS TEKNISKA HOGSKOLA AB (Sweden).

The DC will be expected to:

• Develop and implement a computational experimental and computational framework that links small-scale material defects to large-scale structural performance, enabling accurate prediction of how defects affect strength, stiffness, and fracture behaviour. VTA analysis, traditional NDT testing and structural performance of advanced composite materials.
• Develop your scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research through written scientific publications and oral presentations at international conferences.
• Collaborate with fellow doctoral candidates within the LEGEND project, utilising synergies between projects.
• Actively participate in General Assembly meetings and doctoral training events within LEGEND, distributed across Europe.
• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Solid and Structural Mechanics (https://www.chalmers.se/en/research/we-train-new-researchers/graduate-schools/solid-and-structural-mechanics/). Collaborate within the laboratory community and develop experimental collaborative skills.
• Fulfil the requirements of the Doctoral Program in Mechanical Engineering to be awarded the doctoral degree: completion of 36 ECTS of mandatory (6 ECTS) and optional (30 ECTS) courses in the first year, completion of a 24 ECTS Seminar at the end of the first year, and completion of a Thesis (120 ECTS) at the end of the third year (FEUP - Doctoral Program in Mechanical Engineering).
• Teach on Chalmers' undergraduate level corresponding to 10 percent of working hours.

Hiring Beneficiary: AIMEN

The PhD position is placed at the Division of Computational Mechanics and Materials Engineering. We foster an inclusive, friendly, and helpful work environment to which we welcome you to contribute. Our activities integrate computational mechanics and advanced materials technology, combining multidisciplinary expertise to predict, understand, and elevate the performance of engineering materials and structures.

Main Supervisor: Dr. Massimiliano Russello, Prof. Martin Fagerström

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Elena Rodríguez-Senín

Who can apply?

Applicants will be required to meet the general eligibility criteria of MSCA Early‐Stage Researchers.

MSCA Criteria for all DCs

• Applicants must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
• They must not not have resided, worked, or studied in the country of the recruiting Beneficiary institute for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention [3] are not taken into account. For international European research organisations [4], international organisations, or entities created under Union law, recruited researchers must not have spent more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment in the same appointing organisation.

The date of recruitment date is the first day of the employment of the researcher for the purposes of the action (i.e. the starting date indicated in the employment contract or equivalent direct contract).

Specific DC 11 12 Criteria

• The applicant must have been awarded, by the recruitment date, a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar, and be holders of a scientific and professional curriculum vitae that reveals a profile appropriate to the activities to be developed. For candidates who have not yet obtained their degree and/or language certification, they may participate in the selection process and can be chosen by the Evaluation Committee as the preferred candidate, on the condition they present all the necessary certificates by the recruitment date.
• Any master awarded by a foreign higher education institution must be recognized by a Portuguese higher education institution in accordance with article 25 of the Decree-Law no. 66/2018, of August 16, which approves the legal regime for the recognition of academic degrees and diplomas of Higher Education, awarded by foreign higher education institutions and paragraph e) of no. 2 of article 4 of Decree-Law no. 60/2018, of August 3, and any formalities established therein must be complied with by the date of the hiring act.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• The applicant must have been awarded, by the recruitment date, a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in Applied Mechanics, Structural Engineering, Computational Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Physics or similar,. issued by an officially recognised or accredited institution. Minimum average grades for exams taken as indicated in Annex 2. For candidates who have not yet obtained their degree and/or language certification, they may participate in the selection process and can be chosen by the Evaluation Committee as the preferred candidate, on the condition they present all the necessary certificates by the recruitment date.
• Strong written and verbal English proficiency. Certification of English language proficiency at level B2 (as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), among those listed in Annex 3 of this call for applications, regardless of the date of issuance. Certifications other than those listed in Annex 3 will not be considered.
• Documented experience (education/courses or thesis project with high grades) in continuum mechanics, the finite element method and the mechanics of fibre-reinforced polymers.
• Interest and high skills in programming and numerical methods

*for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

Specific experience being prioritised for DC12:

• Documented knowledge (education/courses/experiences or thesis project) in computational homogenisation and/or computational micro/mesoscale modelling. experimental analysis, programming, knowledge in NDT analysis.

Work Conditions

Contract Terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term contract appointment of four three years, with the possibility to teach up to 10%, which extends the position up to fourand a half years.
• To sign the contract, the chosen candidate must fulfil the MSCA DN eligibility criteria.

The MSCA DN programme offers a highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions. The chosen candidate will receive a salary in accordance with the MSCA regulations. The MSCA DN grant offers a monthly Living Allowance (€3.833,56 as adapted to Spain), Mobility Allowance (€710), and Family Allowance (€495, if applicable). The salary is subject to national taxation and social security contributions.

What we offer

AIMEN is a multi-sector Innovation and Technology Centre that carries out R&D&I activities and provides technological services to industry in the fields of materials, advanced manufacturing processes, digitalisation and sustainability.

With a history spanning more than 55 years, our vision is to establish ourselves as an organisation of excellence in technological innovation serving industry, in order to contribute to a more sustainable future. We have a team of more than 330 professionals whose extensive experience and motivation to create a better society through innovation make them our greatest asset.

• As a Doctoral student at ChalmersAIMEN, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment.
• Be part of a solid and prestigious organization with more than 330 specialized professionals, constantly evolving and active in key industrial sectors (Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, Metalworking, Shipbuilding, and Environment).
• Work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment that will help you develop new knowledge and skills.
• Flexible hours.

Recruitment Procedure

LEGEND’s recruitment procedure is led by the hiring beneficiary of the specific DC and supervised by the project’s Hiring Committee to ensure that all selections are open, transparent, merit-based, supportive of equal opportunities (i.e. unbiased by gender, nationality, etc.), internationally comparable, and consistent with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Applicants may apply for up to five (5) DC positions within LEGEND. They must follow the specific application procedure of each DC position, while ensuring they pass their respective eligibility criteria.

DC112 Specific Procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files in the portal, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

• Curriculum Vitae (Following the Europass template)
• Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
• Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s diplomas, transcripts, and thesis (if not subject to restrictions).
• Supporting documentation for merits listed in the CV (e.g. language certificates or others).
• Declaration of Honour for Mobility Rule(see Annex 1)

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than 21 September

For questions, please contact https://www.aimen.es/es/talento/unete-a-nuestro-equipo

Where to apply

E-mail: rrhh@aimen.es

Website: https://www.aimen.es/es/talento/unete-a-nuestro-equipo

Requirements

• Research Field: Engineering » Aerospace engineering
• Education Level: PhD or equivalent
• Languages: SPANISH Level: Basic
• Languages: ENGLISH Level: Good

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: AIMEN
• Country: Spain
• State/Province: Pontevedra
• City: O Porriño

Contact

• City: Porriño
• Website: http://www.aimen.es/
• Street: Relva 27A, Torneiros, 36410 -Spain
• Telf: +34 986 344 000
• Fax: +34 986 337 302