Research Assistant position in Applied Mechanics with focus on multi-scale modelling of moisture transport in fiber based materials

Temporary part-time position, 100%, for 5 months starting as soon as possible or as agreed upon

at the division of Applied Mechanics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University

Join us!

About the department

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and with close contacts with students through the department's involvement in engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focus.

Read more about us here

About the division

The division of Applied Mechanics is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Ångström Laboratory. At the division we work with both basic and applied research. The research is related to load-bearing materials and constructions and is based on both experimental investigations and numerical modelling. The aim is to be able to design materials and components with better mechanical performance. We also conduct extensive teaching in the field of applied mechanics within several engineering programs.

Project description

The project is in collaboration with Hitachi Energy, aiming to develop a multi-scale model of moisture transport in cellulose based electric insulation materials through combining atomistic simulations with continuum models. Simulated data will be compared to X-ray scattering experiments.

Work duties

You will mainly work with development of computational models, simulations and analysis of results, as well as comparison with existing experimental data and planning for future experiments.

Your duties are to

• Develop atomistic model of moisture transport in fibre wall
• Simulate and analyze the moisture transport and factors that may affect it, using the GROMACS software.
• Develop a simple continuum model of the insulation material, where parameters from the atomistic simulations can be used as input.
• Planning of future CT/X-ray scattering experiments to validate the model.

Qualification requirements:

Master’s degree / education in engineering physics, physics or physical chemistry or related fields.

For this position the following is required:

• Experience with Molecular Dynamics simulations using Gromacs at supercomputer.
• Programming experience
• Good knowledge of X-ray scattering experiments
• Good written and oral skills in English

Additional qualifications

The candidate has an interest and experience of materials science, is driven by curiosity to understand mechanisms behind moisture transport in a hierarchical material such as cellulose based insulation. This will be considered a merit:

• Documented experience with cellulose and fiber based materials
• Knowledge about moisture transport mechanisms

Personal qualities such as good cooperation and communication skills are very important. You must be purposeful, structured and able to work effectively both individually and in a group.

Instructions for application

The application shall include:

• A short cover letter in which you describe yourself and why you are suitable for this position (max 1 page)
• CV (max 1 page)
• Copy of Master’s degree, grades and other merits of relevance. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Name and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.).

The application should be written in English.

We will during the application period read applications and call for interviews

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position, 5 months. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as soon as possible or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position please contact:  Malin Wohlert (malin.wohlert@angstrom.uu.se )

Please submit your application by October 14th 2024, UFV-PA 2024/3123

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