Assistant professor Position – materials modeling

Civil, Computer Science and Aeronautical Technologies Engineering

Organisation/Company: Roma Tre University, Department of Civil, Computer Science and Aeronautical Technologies Engineering

Research Field: Engineering » Computer engineering, Engineering » Materials engineering, Engineering » Mechanical engineering

Researcher Profile: Established Researcher (R3)

Positions: Research Support Positions

Country: Italy

Application Deadline: 15 Mar 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 40

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are seeking an assistant professor with expertise in computational modeling of material behavior at multiple length scales to join the research team of the SunRise FIS 2023 Project. This role focuses on the development and validation of advanced numerical models to simulate the mechanical performance, failure and crack propagation mechanisms, and residual stress effects in 3D-printed nano- and micro-structured materials and coatings.

The research will address complex problems in contact mechanics, fracture mechanics, and stress distribution in heterogeneous nano-architected materials. The position involves the use of finite element modeling (FEM) tools, including cohesive element modeling and phase-field modeling, to investigate material behavior under various loading and environmental conditions, as well as interaction and cooperation with the experimental tasks for validation.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and validating computational tools to predict load-bearing capacity, failure modes, and interface reliability in coated 3D structures.

Where to apply

E-mail: marco.sebastiani@uniroma3.it

Requirements

Research Field: Engineering

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in multi-physics finite element modeling (FEM) using software such as Abaqus.
• Proficiency in contact mechanics simulations, including modeling of interfacial effects and stress analysis.
• Proven experience with cohesive element modeling and/or phase-field modeling for fracture mechanics.
• Ability to simulate complex geometries and heterogeneous materials with high precision.
• Expertise in modeling residual stress effects on crack propagation in coatings, including eigenstrain theory.
• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages for pre- and post-processing of numerical models.
• Familiarity with mesh generation techniques and adaptive meshing for modeling complex microstructures and/or shapes.

Specific Requirements

• Experience with multiphysics simulations and modeling coupled mechanical and thermal effects.
• Familiarity with microstructure-based modeling techniques to simulate real material geometries.
• Knowledge of machine learning approaches for accelerating computational modeling workflows.
• Experience in calibrating numerical models using experimental data (e.g., nanoindentation or microscopy-based measurements).
• Prior involvement in experimental validation of models, particularly for coatings and thin films.
• Strong publication record in high-impact journals and prior experience in grant-funded research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with experimentalists and industrial partners in multidisciplinary research teams.

Languages: ENGLISH Level Excellent

Years of Research Experience: 4 - 10

This position offers a full-time appointment, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and collaboration opportunities in an interdisciplinary environment. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The initial appointment is for three years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional two years.

The Materials Science and Technology (STM) group at Roma Tre University focuses on the development, characterization, and optimization of advanced materials and coatings for structural, functional, and energy applications. Our research spans surface engineering, additive manufacturing, corrosion protection, and nanostructured materials, integrating experimental techniques with computational modeling to improve material performance.

Selection process

Interested applicants should contact Prof. Marco Sebastiani, including (i) a resume with a publication list, (ii) contact information for at least 3 references, and (iii) not more than 3 representative publications.