Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Le Mans Université
- Department: LAUM
- Research Field: Physics » Acoustics
- Computer science
- Other
- Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
- Positions: Postdoc Positions
- Application Deadline: 20 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)
- Country: France
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2026
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Offer Description
Position level: A
Employment establishment: Université du Mans, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, 72085 LE MANS CEDEX 9
Research laboratory: LAUM
Job: Searcher (The standard job description can be consulted at this link, on pages 1738 et seq., under reference FPRCH007. This document details the main tasks associated with the occupation, as well as the skills, interpersonal abilities and special features that may be required.
Description of the research subject
Towards Intelligent Assistants for The assesment Nondestructive Testing and integrity Monitoring of materials and Structures
Recent advances in foundation models, large language models (LLMs) and generative artificial intelligence are opening new opportunities for nondestructive testing (NDT) and structural health monitoring (SHM). Beyond automating classification tasks, these technologies make it possible to envision intelligent assistants capable of integrating scientific knowledge, interpreting multimodal experimental data, interacting with experts and producing well-reasoned analyses.
This postdoctoral project aims to investigate how these emerging technologies can support NDT and SHM specialists in analysing, interpreting and exploiting inspection data. The research will be carried out at LAUM, a leading research environment in NDT and SHM, particularly in the field of acoustic approaches. The project will build upon the laboratory's experimental facilities, methodologies, datasets and representative case studies while remaining fully open to the latest advances from the international scientific community.
Rather than developing a new AI model, the objective is to establish a methodology for using foundation models as explainable, robust and physics-consistent scientific assistants. The project will deliver a first proof of concept of an intelligent assistant for NDT and SHM and will lay the scientific foundations for a future PhD project within the END Plus programme
Planning research project
From 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2027
Assigned activities and expected results
Scientific Background
Nondestructive testing and structural health monitoring are undergoing profound changes driven by digital inspection technologies, increasingly sophisticated sensing systems and multimodal data acquisition. Experts are now required to interpret large volumes of heterogeneous information originating from complementary inspection techniques.
At the same time, foundation models and LLMs are transforming scientific data processing. Their ability to combine knowledge, reason over heterogeneous information and interact through natural language offers new perspectives for engineering decision support. However, their application to NDT remains largely unexplored, especially when reliable, explainable and physically consistent interpretations are required.
The project will be conducted within LAUM, whose internationally recognised expertise in NDT and SHM—particularly in acoustic methods—provides an outstanding scientific environment. The research will primarily focus on acoustic techniques, including ultrasonics, nonlinear acoustics, acoustic emission and vibro-acoustics, while remaining open to multimodal inspection strategies whenever scientifically relevant.
Research Objectives
- Structuring a Scientific Knowledge Base: Organise scientific knowledge, experimental data, publications and engineering expertise into a structured knowledge base suitable for AI-assisted reasoning.
- Assessing the Contribution of Foundation Models: Evaluate how foundation models and generative AI can support the interpretation of NDT and SHM data, combine heterogeneous observations and assist expert reasoning.
- Designing an Intelligent Assistant: Develop a first proof-of-concept assistant capable of proposing scientifically grounded interpretations, physically consistent diagnostic hypotheses and preliminary inspection reports.
- Validation on Representative Case Studies: Assess the proposed methodology using representative applications from the laboratory, including composite materials, bolted assemblies and instrumented structures, together with external datasets whenever appropriate.
Expected Outcomes
The project is expected to provide a better understanding of the role of foundation models in NDT and SHM workflows, a methodology for integrating these technologies into engineering practice, a first intelligent assistant prototype and several high-quality scientific publications. More broadly, it will establish the scientific basis for a future PhD project within the END Plus programme.
To apply for this position, please consult the job description by clicking on this link.
The application must include the following documents:
- Detailed curriculum vitae
- Cover letter
- Doctoral degree
A translation of the application documents must be attached if they are not in French.
The deadline for submitting applications is September 20, 2026. Application files must be sent to Rachid EL GUERJOUMA at the following email address: rachid.elguerjouma@univ-lemans.fr or by clicking on this link.
Where to apply
Requirements
- Research Field: Physics » Acoustics
- Education Level: PhD or equivalent
- Research Field: Computer science
- Education Level: PhD or equivalent
- Research Field: Other
- Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Applicants should hold a PhD in acoustics, mechanics, signal processing, instrumentation, computer science or a closely related discipline. Experience in NDT, SHM, data analysis, applied artificial intelligence or experimental research will be appreciated. Previous experience with LLMs is not required, but strong interest in interdisciplinary research combining engineering sciences and AI is expected.
Specific Requirements
Travel within France and/or abroad
Internal Application form(s) needed
Offre emploi-202608-20-1.pdf
English (63.87 KB - PDF)
Additional Information
Benefits
The contract is for a period of one year. The start date is set for 1 October 2026. The gross monthly salary is €3,300.
Eligibility criteria
PhD or equivalent
Selection process
- Please submit the required documents at the latest September 20, 2026, to the following email address: rachid.elguerjouma@univ-lemans.fr or by clicking on this link.
- Pre-selection;
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.
Website for additional job details: https://laum.univ-lemans.fr/fr/index.html
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Le Mans University
Country: France
City: Le Mans
Postal Code: 72085
Street: Avenue Olivier Messiaen
Contact
City: LE MANS
Website: http://www.univ-lemans.fr/fr/index.html
Street: Avenue Olivier Messiaen
Postal Code: 72085
E-Mail: drh-post-doc@univ-lemans.fr
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