Post-Doctoral Opening in

Mechanics of Composite bonding

Mechanical Engineering program

The Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia, invites applications for Postdoctoral fellow in Mechanical Engineering at the Mechanics of Composites for Energy and Mobility Lab. (MCEM, https://composites.kaust.edu.sa). Link.

Field of study

A Postdoctoral opening is available in the area of toughening of thermoplastic adhesive tapes.

Performance of secondary bonding or adhesive systems is a key challenge for the successful integration of composite. MCEM has a strong experience in improving toughness and stability of adhesive joints by controlling the dissipation mechanisms, via the design of the microstructure or by introducing spatially depending adhesive properties.

          The main goal of this project is to investigate a concept of thermoplastics tapes featuring at least 100 % toughness improvement compared to the raw material used to manufacture the tape, just by specific design of its internal microstructure. This concept can be applied directly to design new thermoplastic adhesive tapes for long-term treatment of human body joints using joint supports without changing either the carrier or adhesive materials.

The project will be organized around 2 main activities:

1. Understanding the role of tailored microstructures on fracture toughness of thermoplastic adhesive tape joints, especially via digital twins and parametric optimization,
2. Processing of optimized microstructure, and demonstration of the proof of concept via both static and fatigue degradation tests, in the context of health applications. 
   

Qualifications 

The successful candidate must hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science or other relevant discipline. He/She must have a strong background in one or more of the following fields: experimental solid mechanics, mechanical testing, fracture, damage mechanics and polymeric materials. The candidate should also have a good knowledge of simulation n Abaqus Standard; an experience in bonding and adhesive technologies is a plus. For any appointment at MCEM, an in-depth knowledge of theoretical mechanics is a firm requirement. 

A high level of self-motivation, strong publication record and a good command of oral and written English, the ability to work in a team, as well as alone and good organizational skills are essential. 

Other duties

The Postdoctoral fellow will be actively engaged in student mentoring (directed research, Master’s thesis students). He/She will also be in charge of developing further the facilities of the laboratory. The candidate will also be in charge of delivering regular reports related to the associated grant.

Appointment

1 year, renewable up to three years by mutual agreement. The candidate is expected to join the team as soon as a successful interview has been completed. 

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the successful candidate will enjoy a generous benefit package including medical insurance, on-campus housing facilities, K-12 schools, and outstanding recreational facilities.

Application Requirements

Only applications providing all requirements will be considered further. Applicant requirements are as below. They should be numbered and attached to the application in this order:

1. Detailed CV including list of publications, awards, with potential start date.
2. Short statement of previous work, title of the post-doc fellowship you apply for, and a description of your vision and of your research plan on that field (the document does not need to be extensive - no more than one A4 page – but should be very high quality. It should clearly highlight a vision of the candidate in the field, a prior understanding of the related literature and the definition of key steps towards innovative results in the field. Special care should be given by the candidate to this document, which is a key element of the decision process towards recruitment).
3. Names and contact information of three referees.
4. Slides from a recent presentation in a conference or seminar.
5. Pdf of a recent publication considered by the candidate as being representative of his research work.
   

Interested applicants should send their complete application package to,  
Dr. Gilles Lubineau (gilles.lubineau@kaust.edu.sa) and cc (khathijah.osman@kaust.edu.sa).
PLEASE USE this as the subject of your email: Post Doc MCEM22– Thermoplastics Adhesive Tapes

Note: Applicant will be evaluated on a rolling basis and closed as soon as the position filled.