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.

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

The application is directed toward the development of next-generation metallic materials for high-temperature aeronautics engine applications via advanced manufacturing techniques. The objective of the projects 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.

The project will combine computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using the meshless Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) with computational thermodynamics related to phase transformations during various manufacturing routes, with the objective to predict microstructures and defects emerging during the process.

Activities will be central to a large-scale collaborative project from 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 in the code used (and/or developed) by the industrial partner(s). Communication of research results will be regulated by strict confidentiality agreements, which may restrict publication in scientific journals.

The researcher will acquire hands-on skills with state-of-the-art modeling and simulation tools for materials science and engineering, as well as a true application-oriented experience that will provide an outstanding expert profile for a career in the industrial sector, in particular aeronautics.

The position is most appropriate for recent PhD graduate (or soon to graduate) in fields related to computational materials science, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics and modeling, computational thermodynamics, with interest in joining the private sector in the aeronautics industry, with a high probability of direct recruitment at the end of the project.

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. Experience or knowledge 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, but the overall project is budgeted for 3 years, such that the position is expected to be renewed yearly up to a total of 3 years.

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

- Full-time contract including social security coverage

- The post will remain active and open until all positions are filled

- Expected start date: Immediately

- Duration: 1 year, renewable yearly for up to 3 years