Department of Mechanics: Vacancies: UCEEB Postdocs

The last call was closed, a new one is about to be opened (preliminarly on 9 August 2013)

Ultra High Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) in different loading conditions

Mentor: Petr Konvalinka

Description: The research work will be focused on experimental and numerical response of UHPFRC under intermediate strain rates developed in machine simulating impact. In addition mechanical parameters such as compressive, direct tensile and flexural strength and modulus of elasticity at high strain rates will be measured. The energy absorption capacity of both notched and un-notched beams subjected to quasi-static and impact loading will be compared.

Specific requirements: Depending on the specific background of the candidate, experience in experimental and numerical investigation of mechanical parameters of civil engineering materials and structures.

Wood-based materials

Mentor: Petr Kuklík

Description: Evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of wood and wood-based products by destructive and non-destructive methods. Investigation of microstructure of wood and wood based materials. Development of wood-based materials. Modification of wood and wood-based materials in order to enhance their quality (UV-stability, durability, fire resistance, etc.).

Specific requirements: Good knowledge of wood mechanics, experience with experimental work in laboratory, with emphasis on microscopic evaluation of wood and wood-based materials (the ability to work with electron microscope).

Numerical and experimental analysis of concrete performance in irradiated environment

Mentor: Petr Štemberk

Description: The primary aim of this topic is to assess the effect of concrete composition on its long-term shielding performance when exposed to various types of radiation. Specifically, the following issues will be targeted: the effect of nanoparticles in composition, the possibility of release of nanoparticles from concrete, the activity of released nanoparticles, the possible reduction of thickness of shielding walls, the minimization of crack during construction technology. The results will be applicable for nuclear facilities and hospitals.

Specific requirements: Reasonable knowledge in the field. Basic programming skills in MATLAB.

Micromechanical modeling of thermal and acoustic insulation materials

Mentor: Jan Zeman

Description: The aim of this topic is to develop inexpensive analytical models to quantify e.g. thermal and acoustic properties of highly porous building materials utilized in energy-efficient buildings by exploring the available tools of computational homogenization or continuum micromechanics. To this purpose, the Fellow will develop models of micro- and nano-structure of such materials, investigate the relevant structure-property relationships or utilize these results to validate the model against available data and experiments performed at UCEEB (not necessarily by the Fellow). Attention can also be paid to a consistent incorporation of surface effects, so that the developed models will be applicable to nanocomposites.

Specific requirements: Depending on the scientific background of the candidate, experience in numerical analysis and scientific computing, computational mechanics and high-performance computations, or in analytical homogenization.

General requirements

We are looking for candidates who

• hold a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in the research area related to the selected topic issued from 29 March 2008 until 17 June 2013,
• have an ability to perform independent research with a strong emphasis on publications in refereed journals,
• possess excellent communication skills and written/verbal knowledge of the English language.

We offer

• the possibility to work in a newly established dynamic and ambitious research center with the state-of-the art equipment,
• a contract with a duration until 30 June 2015, with a critical evaluation after the first year,
• a gross salary of 56,000 CZK per month (approximately 2,200 Euro or 2,800 USD),
• a partial coverage of the mandatory social and medical insurance by the employer (the employee has to contribute 6.5% of the gross salary to pension insurance, 4.5% to health insurance and, according to the currently valid legislation, approximately 16.5% is deduced as income tax),
• the coverage of travel expenses of up to 55,000 CZK per year,
• the coverage of operating costs of up to 40,000 CZK per year,
• a three-month internship at a foreign university or a company.

Application

For more information, please contact the mentor using the e-mail address specified above.

Interested candidates are invited to send their applications directly to the relevant mentor no later than 31 May 2013. The application must contain

• a Curriculum Vitae (one page),
• a motivation letter (two pages), stating personal goals and research interests,
• a detailed list of publications,
• two letters of recommendation sent by the referees directly to the mentor (with detailed contact information: email, telephone number and address), one of them written by the previous supervisor,
• a certificate of proficiency in English (CAE, TOEFL or equivalent) or an electronic copy of the candidate’s Ph.D. thesis written in English.

Both national and international applications to this advertisement are appreciated. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all the positions are filled. Promising candidates will be contacted by e-mail, and will be invited for an on-line interview.

Important dates

• 31 May 2013, 24:00: Deadline for application submissions
• 4 June 2013: Review of applications, promising candidates will be contacted by e-mail
• 17 June 2013: Personal interview at the Czech Technical University in Prague (with travel costs covered by the applicant), or a Skype conference

Evaluation criteria

• Publications in refereed journals (50%)
• Assessment of the mentor (25%)
• Quality of the motivation letter (25%)

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