Research Scientist (m/f/d) at the Faculty for Engineering

We are a young and innovative university in the middle of the Ruhr Metropolitan Region. Distinguished research and teaching permits us to seize opportunities and develop promising ideas. We promote potential, realize equal opportunities and use the innovative power of diversity management for research and teaching.

At the Campus Essen, Faculty for Engineering, Institute of Engineering Mathematics, the University of Duisburg-Essen is looking for a

Research Scientist (f/m/d)
(up to German pay grade E14 TV-L for 1,0 FTE)

within the Starting Grant “Beyond Representative Volume Elements for Random Heterogeneous Materials” (BeyondRVE) funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

Commencing date: 01.07.2025 (or as soon as possible)
Duration of contract: until end of project (30.06.2027)
Working hours: 100 percent of a full-time position (part-time employment is possible)
Application period: 11.05.2025

The ERC StG BeyondRVE focuses on novel simulation technology for computing the material behavior of materials with a random microstructure. The goal is to build up a groundbreaking multiscale methodology, taking into account the latest neural-network technology and screening the spurious boundary layers which arise for digital volume images of microstructures. Upon completion of the project, a significant boost for the nonlinear mechanics of heterogeneous materials and lightweight design is expected, providing multiscale methods with more expressive results in shorter time for larger classes of materials with higher complexity.

For non-periodic microstructures or when working with non-periodic boundary conditions for the displacement, boundary-layer effects pollute the computed effective properties of random heterogeneous materials. Only low accuracy can be reached, unless gigantic cells are considered.

The aim of the first Post-Doc project is to establish a novel computation methodology to mitigate these problems by screening boundary-layer effects appropriately.

Usually, only the expected mechanical response of a random material is computed in multiscale methods of mechanics. Within the BeyondRVE projects, higher-order statistical quantities will be computed as part of the computational strategy and made available on a macroscopic scale.

The aim of the second Post-Doc project is to establish a novel technology to quantify the microstructure-induced uncertainty using the framework of Deep Material Networks or an extension thereof.

Job description:

• cutting-edge research in computational micromechanics, in particular solution methods based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), or multi-scale modeling of engineering materials like fiber composites, foams, polycrystalline materials
• extend Deep Material Networks to uncertainty quantification
• simulation studies for a variety of random materials, including fiber structures, foams and polycrystalline materials
• analysis, interpretation and assessment of simulation results
• discussion of results within an international research team
• writing and submitting of scientific publications in quality peer-reviewed journals
• presentation of research results at national and international conferences
• either PhD or Post-Doc position

We expect:

• MSc or PhD in engineering or natural sciences, applied mathematics or related fields
• strong background in continuum mechanics, material modeling or numerical methods
• excellent coding skills in Python and C/C++
• an aptitude for theoretical and computationally oriented research
• good team-working and communication skills
• excellent English skills, both written and spoken

We offer:

• a varied, multifaceted area of responsibility in a lively research-intensive environment
• further training opportunities and career support within the framework of the university
• a non-discriminatory working environment with respectful, appreciative cooperation
• a pleasant working atmosphere in a dynamic team
• family-friendliness through care for your children and advice on your care tasks
• a wide range of further education and training opportunities, individual induction
• a very good public transport connection and free parking
• attractive sports and health offers (university sports)
• flexible working hours and the option of working from home

Please submit your application with the usual documents, quoting 186-25 to Prof. Matti Schneider, University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty for Engineering, V15 R04 H23, Universitätsstr. 2, 45141 Essen, Phone: +49 201 183-6501, E-Mail: matti.schneider@uni-due.de.

For more information about the faculty and the position, please visit: https://www.uni-due.de/ingmath/en.php.

University of Duisburg-Essen pursues the goal of promoting the diversity of its members. (www.uni-due.de/diversity/en).

In accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act, women with the same qualifications are given referential consideration. Applications from suitable disabled persons and persons of equal status within the meaning of § 2 para. 3 SGB IX are desired. By applying for one of the advertised positions, you expressly agree to the requirements in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and to being contacted by mail. Further information on data protection can be found here.