Experimental mechanics, material testing and prototype design

1 Post Doctoral Fellow position
(Deadline May 3rd, 2017 12:00 )
Fields

Experimental mechanics; Material testing; Composite laminates; Prototype design and manufacturing

Activity

The post-doctoral fellow will contribute to the activities of the ERC Proof of Concept Grant PHYSIC related to the realization of demonstrators of photovoltaic laminates with superior crack resistance. Activities will regard both the stress analysis of laminates, paying special attention to the visco-elastic properties of the encapsulant material, the brittleness of Silicon and the adhesion between laminae, and the experimental techniques for the characterization of the proposed solutions to make solar cells insensitive to cracking. Experiments will be conducted in the MUSAM-Lab and will regard: realization of prototypes, peeling tests for the characterization of adhesives, standard mechanical tests for material characterization, electroluminescence imaging to monitor the evolution of crack pattern. Publication of the major findings in top journal articles on composite materials is envisaged. The post-doctoral fellow will also contribute to the supervision of PhD students enrolled in the PhD programme of the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca.

Profile

A post-doctoral fellow in experimental mechanics is sought for the activities of the ERC Proof of Concept Grant PHYSIC, aiming at developing demonstrators of photovoltaic laminates with superior crack resistance, for possible patent applications. The applicant should have earned a PhD in structural mechanics, experimental mechanics, composite materials, or in related areas. A good experience on experimental testing of materials and a good attitude to work on experimental testing in a laboratory are preferential requirements.

Formal requirements

The degree of doctor of philosophy in structural mechanics, experimental mechanics, composite materials, or in related areas is compulsory for the admission to the selection.

Specific requirements

The ideal candidate is expected to have a good knowledge of stress analysis methods for composite materials and an excellent attitude to work in the laboratory, design experiments and prototypes, and perform mechanical tests. Previous experience on experimental testing of materials, possibly demonstrated by a good record of publications, will be considered as a preferential title. Attitude in working in a multi-disciplinary team composed of mechanicians, materials scientists and business specialists will be requested.

Project

PHYSIC - PHotovoltaic with SuperIor Crack resistance finanziato dalla Commissione Europea nell’ambito del Programma Horizon 2020 - ERC-Proof of Concept-2016.

Scientific area

Structural Mechanics

Gross amount

About 24.600,00 euros

Duration

1 year

Job Research Area: 
CSSE
Job Research Unit: 
MUSAM
Job Contract Type: 
Assegno di ricerca
Full call
Calendar
Preliminary shortlist
Preliminary shortlist
Final decree

Selection procedure and criteria

Selection procedure conditions are transparent and are based on international standards.

Procedure

A Selection Committee, appointed by the Director, assesses all applications on the basis online application info and - if provided - reference letters. Shortlisted candidates, selected on the basis of the preliminary analysis, are invited for a research presentation at IMT. Travel expenses to Lucca for the research presentation interview will not be reimbursed.

Selection Criteria

The evaluation criteria are based on: Quality of research activity, including publications in peer-reviewed journals and references; Research organization experience and participation in international/national research projects and research periods in public and private institutions (academic and non-academic); Relevance of the candidate's profile for the development of IMT's research activities; Teaching, mentoring and supervision experience; Motivation; Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken; As well as any other requirements as specified in the advertisement.

Application

Apply ONLINE only.

Before starting prepare the application attachments and information as listed below.

Info

  • Personal info and contact info (compulsory)
  • Number of your Identity Document (Passport or Identity Card) (compulsory)
  • University degree (compulsory) and Ph.D. (obtained, or "ongoing")
  • Name, position, institution and email address of three referees (compulsory)
  • An email, with the appropriate instructions to upload the reference letters will be automatically generated and sent to your referees.

Attachments

  • Your CV in English (compulsory);
  • One research paper (published or working paper): compulsory.
    Shortlisted candidates will be asked to present this research paper in the final stage of the selection.
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