PhD Student

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.
With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

For the (faculty/department/research group) we are looking for a m/f/x
Doctoral fellow

YOUR JOB

• We are looking for a PhD student for a research project on microscale mechanical characterization of fiber reinforced polymer composites using in-situ microscopic techniques. Much more fundamental insights and measurements at the micro-scale are necessary to enable fully predictive multi-scale modelling and faster adaptation of composites. Therefore, we have developed advanced micromechanical test methods for fibre reinforced polymer composites based on in-situ optical and electron microscopy during loading. This includes micro-scale Digital Image Correlation (DIC) which gives full-field strain information at the sub-micron scale, force measurement and correlation of the damage mechanisms at micro- and macro-scale. This also generates accurate input data for multi-scale models for composites. This PhD will further develop and enhance these micromechanical tests and optimize the microscopic measurement techniques for different types of composites.
• Further micromechanical tests will be done to characterize the fibre/matrix interface in composites. Fibre debonding will be monitored in real-time and different loading conditions to the interface will be applied.

• You hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Computational Mechanics, etc.)
• You should have a strong interest in experimental mechanics of composite materials, and should be enthusiastic to work in a collaborative project between industry and academia.
• This PhD requires an experimentalist to do the micromechanical characterization of the composites. Experience with experimental testing of materials and microscopy is required. Knowledge of composites and/or instrumentation techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is an advantage.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 01/01/2025 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits .

Send your CV, transcripts of records of Bachelor and Master studies, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to wim.vanpaepegem@ugent.be .
We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Wim VAN PAEPEGEM (wim.vanpaepegem@ugent.be , +32(0)9/331 04 32)