Location

Essen

Application area

Faculty for Engineering, Institute of Engineering Mathematics

Research Scientist, Institute of Engineering Mathematics (m/f/d) 021-26
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Within the ERC Starting Grant “Beyond Representative Volume Elements for Random Heterogeneous Materials” (BeyondRVE), we invite applications for Research Scientist positions.

The ERC StG BeyondRVE focuses on novel simulation technology for computing the material behavior of materials with a random microstructure. The goal is to build up a groundbreaking multiscale methodology, taking into account the latest neural-network technology and screening the spurious boundary layers which arise for digital volume images of microstructures. Upon completion of the project, a significant boost for the nonlinear mechanics of heterogeneous materials and lightweight design is expected, providing multiscale methods with more expressive results in shorter time for larger classes of materials with higher complexity.

For non-periodic microstructures or when working with non-periodic boundary conditions for the displacement, boundary-layer effects pollute the computed effective properties of random heterogeneous materials. Only low accuracy can be reached, unless gigantic cells are considered.

The aim of the first Post-Doc project is to establish a novel computation methodology to mitigate these problems by screening boundary-layer effects appropriately.

Usually, only the expected mechanical response of a random material is computed in multiscale methods of mechanics. Within the BeyondRVE projects, higher-order statistical quantities will be computed as part of the computational strategy and made available on a macroscopic scale.

The aim of the second Post-Doc project is to establish a novel technology to quantify the microstructure-induced uncertainty using the framework of Deep Material Networks or an extension thereof.

Start of employment

01.04.2026 (or as soon as possible)

Duration of employment

until end of project (30.06.2027)

Working time

100 percent of a full-time position (part-time employment is possible)

Your main tasks

• Cutting-edge research in computational micromechanics, in particular solution methods based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), or multi-scale modeling of engineering materials like fiber composites, foams, polycristalline materials
• extend Deep Material Networks to uncertainty quantification
• simulation studies for a variety of random materials, including fiber structures, foams and polycrystalline materials
• analysis, interpretation and assessment of simulation results
• discussion of results within an international research team
• writing and submitting of scientific publications in quality peer-reviewed journals
• presentation of research results at national and international conferences
• either PhD or Post-Doc position

Your profile

• MSc or PhD in engineering or natural sciences, applied mathematics or related fields
• strong background in continuum mechanics, material modeling or numerical methods
• excellent coding skills in Python and C/C++
• an aptitude for theoretical and computationally oriented research
• good team-working and communication skills
• excellent English skills, both written and spoken

We offer you

• working at a family-friendly university with flexible working hours
• mentorship and support to develop your skills and foster your career within a stimulating and inclusive research environment
• the opportunity to work on internationally visible and interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with other research groups
• an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment, including modern HPC

Application deadline

2026-02-22

Code number

021-26

Application

Please submit your application with the usual documents, quoting  021-26  to Prof. Matti Schneider, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften, V15 R04 H23, Universitätsstraße 2, 45141 Essen, Telefon 0201/183-6501,

E-Mail: matti.schneider@uni-due.de.

Information about the job

For more informationen about the faculty and the position, please visit:

https://www.uni-due.de/ingmath/en.php

The University of Duisburg- Essen aims to promote the diversity of its members

(s. http://www.uni-due.de/diversity)

It aims to increase the proportion of women among scientific staff and therefore strongly encourages

applications from women with relevant qualifications.

In accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act, women are given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.

Open minded

We are a young, innovative university located in the heart of the Ruhr metropolis. We pride ourselves in outstanding research and teaching, think in terms of opportunities rather than limitations and develop ideas with a view to the future. Diversity is an integral part of our culture as we promote potential and are committed to upholding genuine equity in education.

Learn more

University of Duisburg-Essen pursues the goal of promoting the diversity of its members.
www.uni-due.de/diversity/en

In accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act, women with the same qualifications are given preferential consideration.

Applications from suitable disabled persons and persons of equal status within the meaning of § 2 para. 3 SGB IX are desired.

By applying for one of the advertised positions, you expressly agree to the requirements in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and to being contacted by mail. Further information on data protection can be found here.

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