PhD Student

Job description

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.
With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

For the (faculty/department/research group) we are looking for a m/f/x
Doctoral fellow

YOUR JOB

• We are looking for a PhD student for a research project on microscale mechanical characterization of fiber reinforced polymer composites using in-situ microscopic techniques. Much more fundamental insights and measurements at the micro-scale are necessary to enable fully predictive multi-scale modelling and faster adaptation of composites. Therefore, we have developed advanced micromechanical test methods for fibre reinforced polymer composites based on in-situ optical and electron microscopy during loading. This includes micro-scale Digital Image Correlation (DIC) which gives full-field strain information at the sub-micron scale, force measurement and correlation of the damage mechanisms at micro- and macro-scale. This also generates accurate input data for multi-scale models for composites. This PhD will further develop and enhance these micromechanical tests and optimize the microscopic measurement techniques for different types of composites.
• Further micromechanical tests will be done to characterize the fibre/matrix interface in composites. Fibre debonding will be monitored in real-time and different loading conditions to the interface will be applied.

Job profile

• You hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Computational Mechanics, etc.)
• You should have a strong interest in experimental mechanics of composite materials, and should be enthusiastic to work in a collaborative project between industry and academia.
• This PhD requires an experimentalist to do the micromechanical characterization of the composites. Experience with experimental testing of materials and microscopy is required. Knowledge of composites and/or instrumentation techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is an advantage.
  
  

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 01/01/2025 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

How to apply

Send your CV, transcripts of records of Bachelor and Master studies, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to wim.vanpaepegem@ugent.be.
We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Wim VAN PAEPEGEM (wim.vanpaepegem@ugent.be, +32(0)9/331 04 32)