IMDEA Materials Institute is a public research organization founded in 2007 by Madrid’s regional government to carry out research of excellence in Material Science and Engineering by attracting talent from all over the world to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment. IMDEA Materials has grown rapidly since its foundation and currently includes more than 120 researchers from 22 nationalities and has become one of the leading research centers in materials in Europe which has received the María de Maeztu seal of excellence from the Spanish government. The research activities have been focused on the areas of materials for transport, energy, and health care and the Institute has state-of-the-art facilities for processing, characterization and simulation of advanced materials.

More information can be found at our webpage.

IMDEA Materials Institute is looking for a Research Engineer in Computational Modeling of Materials Processing for Aeronautics.

The project will combine computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using the meshless Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) with computational thermodynamics related to phase transformations in order to predict fluid flow, coupled with thermal and/or solute fields, during fusion/solidification-based manufacturing processes (e.g. casting, welding, and additive manufacturing), with the objective to identify optimal processing conditions and predict defects (e.g. solute segregation, porosities, etc.) emerging during the process.

The candidate must have a significant experience with scientific programming (ideally C-based languages) and computational fluid dynamics (ideally using meshless methods such as Lattice Boltzmann method).

The hired candidate will acquire hands-on skills with state-of-the-art modeling and simulation tools for materials science and engineering (in particular relevant to metallurgy and manufacturing in the aeronautics sector) with an application-oriented experience with high employability value in both academia and industry, in particular aeronautics and manufacturing sectors.

The context of the project is the development of next-generation metallic materials for high-temperature aeronautics engine applications via advanced manufacturing techniques. The overall objective of the project is the development of computational simulation tools that will enable a substantial step forward in the design and deployment of novel materials with desired microstructures, free of manufacturing defects, and hence with outstanding mechanical properties and superior lifetime at high temperatures.

Activities will be central to a large-scale collaborative project in the aeronautics sector. As such, the project will be strongly applied and directed toward concrete problem-solving, while relying on state-of-the-art materials science, thermodynamics, and computational fluid dynamics. All tasks will be developed with the immediate objective of being implemented within the code developed by the industrial partner(s). Communication of research results will be regulated by confidentiality agreements, which may restrict publication in scientific journals.

The position is most appropriate for a PhD degree holder (excellent candidates with a relevant MSc degree and appropriate experience will also be considered) with experience in computational materials science, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics and modeling, computational thermodynamics, and interest in aeronautics and manufacturing sectors.

The candidate should have a degree (MSc and/or PhD) in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials Science, Applied Mathematics & Modeling, or a related discipline, with excellent academic credentials. Some experience in scientific programming and computational fluid dynamics is essential. Candidates with knowledge or experience with Lattice Boltzmann models, multi-physics simulations, or modeling of solidification processing are strongly encouraged to apply. Close interactions with industrial stakeholders are expected; therefore, the ability to work as part of a team is essential.

Full proficiency in English, oral and written, is mandatory.

The first contract will be for one year, with possibility to extend depending upon performance and project extension.

Interested candidates should submit their Curriculum Vitae, a brief cover letter addressing their motivation and scientific interests, as well as academic credentials.

• Full-time work contract including social security coverage
• Competitive salary commensurate to candidate experience (gross salary ~ 30k to 40k€/year)
• Duration: 1 year
• Expected start date: Immediately (with some flexibility)
• The post will remain active and open until the position is filled

The working language of the Institute is English. Full command of the English language is required in all positions.