Phd position ai/ml in the msca doctoral network assess - at politecnico di bari, italy

A second-level degree (Master) or equivalent foreign qualification in aerospace / mechanical / civil engineering, applied mathematics or physics with excellent experimental skills. Not in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.

Experience

Knowledge of acoustic/ultrasonic wave propagation, composite materials, non-destructive testing, and signal processing is required. Strong conceptual and analytical skills. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Type vacature: intern

PhD Vacancy for a Doctoral Candidate (DC4) in AI/ML data-driven GW tomography for in-service SHM of aerospace smart FRP composites in the MSCA Doctoral Network ASSESS - at Politecnico di Bari, Italy.

Job Description

The aim of this PhD is to develop ultrasonic guided wave (GW) tomography for aerospace smart fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites with integrated sparse arrays of piezo-electric (PZT) based metamaterial (MM) sensors and machine learning data algorithms. Three are the objectives of this research:

1. Design and manufacture aerospace FRP panels and sandwich FRP structures with PZT-based MM sensors surface mounted or embedded into the lay-up to enhance ultrasonic GW damage inspection.
2. Demonstrate the capability of PZT-based MM sensors to selectively transmit and naturally filter GWs in FRPs, thus reducing the complexity of the wave field caused by dispersion and material anisotropy.
3. Develop GW tomography for the automated damage assessment of aerospace CFRP composites using transmitter/receiver pairs of PZT-based MM sensors and ML methods (e.g., fuzzy clustering). Damage imaging results will be validated against traditional non-destructive evaluation methods.

Two secondments have been planned to support research activities during the PhD. This PhD is part of the ASSESS project.

Research Fields:

Ultrasonic guided-wave propagation, composite materials, non-destructive testing.

Secondments:

• Novotech SRL (Avetrana, Italy)
• TU Delft (Delft, The Netherlands)
• Air Force Institute of Technology (Warsaw, Poland)

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research as outlined in the project's objectives under the supervision of Prof Francesco Ciampa.
• Engage in secondments as part of the project's training activities.
• Contribute to academic publications, project reports, and other dissemination activities.
• Participate in structured training programs and network-wide events organized by the consortium.
• Collaborate with international partners and other Doctoral Candidates within the network.

Requirements:

Eligibility Criteria:

• A second-level degree (Master) or equivalent foreign qualification in aerospace / mechanical / civil engineering, applied mathematics or physics with excellent experimental skills.
• Not in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
• Recruited applicants can be of any nationality and must undertake trans-national mobility when taking up the appointment.

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of acoustic/ultrasonic wave propagation, composite materials, non-destructive testing, and signal processing is required.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Optional Skills:

• Experience in mechanical testing and software programming (e.g., MATLAB, Fortran, Python, LabView) is an advantage.
• High level of proficiency in English (will be tested at interview).

Academic Host:

Politecnico di Bari, Italy.

The Polytechnic University of Bari (Politecnico di Bari) was established on 7th August 1990. Research activities will be carried out at the Department of Mechanics, Mathematics and Management (DMMM).

Conditions of Employment:

The successful candidate will receive a competitive and attractive academic remuneration package in accordance with MSCA regulations for doctoral candidates.

The financial package includes:

• Monthly living allowance: €3,400/month.
• Monthly mobility allowance: €600/month.
• Monthly family allowance (if applicable): €660/month.

Other Benefits:

The doctoral candidate will also benefit from comprehensive training within the ASSESS network, including participation in specialized Training Events organized by the MSCA-ASSESS network.

Expected Start Date: Q2 2025.

Project Description:

The Horizon Europe MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE ACTION Doctoral Network (DN) ASSESS offers 12 exciting PhD positions to develop next-generation smart composites for strategic European industries.

As part of a multidisciplinary consortium of 9 beneficiaries and 13 Associated Partners, you will engage in pioneering research on:

• Smart composites and cutting-edge sensing technologies
• Advanced simulations and AI-driven data analysis
• Digital twins and Industry 4.0 innovations

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 28 February 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Detailed CV, including information on the candidate's proficiency in English
• Motivational letter (1 page)
• Contact information of 2 references
• Copy of Master's degree diploma
• Copies of any other relevant certifications listed within CV

Selection Criteria: Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic background, research experience, and alignment with the project's objectives.

Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a structured interview.

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