申请截止：2025 年 6 月 8 日
所属院系：根特大学机电、系统和金属工程系
项目时长：最长4年
薪资待遇：>2500 欧元/月
学校简介
根特大学（Ghent University）位于比利时的荷兰语区城市根特，环境优美，地理位置极佳。在2020软科世界大学学术排名中，根特大学名列全球第66位，是比利时学术排名第一的综合性研究型大学，也是世界著名的百强大学之一。该校目前拥有11个学院、117个系，在校生约为41000人，其中4150名为国际生，教职工约9000人。根特大学在生物技术、医学、水产学、兽医学、心理学、农业与林业学、法学等基础及应用研究领域具有较强科研实力和竞争力。
职位描述
我们正在寻找一名积极进取、才华横溢的材料力学领域博士生研究员。您将在一个全额资助项目的支持下，从事计算力学、多物理场建模和材料失效领域的工作。重点研究机械应力与环境因素导致的材料损伤行为（如氢脆、腐蚀）。主要任务包括开发多物理场耦合的数值模型（有限元/相场方法），用以模拟机械-电化学耦合条件下的材料变形和损伤行为。同时采用包括机械测试（原位破坏/断裂力学测试等）和表征（扫描电子显微镜、X 射线断层扫描）在内的实验方法来校准和验证数值模拟。
教师个人简介
该研究项目由申富蕙助理教授领导，他于 2025年2月加入根特大学 Soete 实验室，担任损伤/断裂力学领域的助理教授。在此之前，他在德国亚琛工业大学取得硕士和博士学位，并在牛津大学工程系开展博士后研究工作。目前，课题组专注于研究结构材料的变形和损伤机制，以及多物理场数值模型的开发。教师个人主页：https://research.ugent.be/web/person/fuhui-shen-0/en#
欢迎具有机械，材料，土木等相关专业的硕士学位的申请人。根特大学提供有吸引力的薪酬和福利、健康的工作环境以及丰富的培训机会。根特大学支持CSC访学，同时也欢迎访问学生和学者到本课题组联合培养或交流。期待有计算力学专业背景的同学加入我们的团队，具体申请信息详见招聘文件。
招聘信息：https://www.ugent.be/en/work/scientific/phd-student-31
PhD Position in Material Degradation Research at Ghent University
Last application date: June 08, 2025 00:00
Department: TW08 – Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering
Contract: Limited duration
Degree: M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering fields such as Materials/Civil
Occupancy rate: 100%
Vacancy type: Research staff
Job description
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD researcher in the field of mechanics of materials. You will work in the areas of computational mechanics, multi-physics modelling, and material failure, with the support of a fully funded project. You will work on a cutting-edge research project focusing on investigating the interplay between mechanical stress and environmental factors that accelerate material deterioration (e.g., hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion). The primary tasks include developing advanced multiphysics frameworks (finite element/phase-field methods) to simulate material degradation under coupled mechanical-electrochemical conditions. You will start working on in-house implemented coupled deformation-diffusion-degradation material models, and focus on further developments to resolve the local deformation heterogeneity under the influence of mechanical and electrochemical factors. You will investigate the effects of stress state, temperature, and hydrogen on the damage and fracture properties of metallic materials, considering the underlying failure mechanisms. Meanwhile, you will employ experimental approaches, including mechanical testing (in-situ damage/fracture mechanics tests, etc.) and characterization (scanning electron microscopy, X-ray tomography), to calibrate and validate the numerical simulations.
You will be responsible for
-
conducting finite element simulations to gain insight into multiphysics material degradation phenomena
-
performing relevant experiments and material characterizations
-
presenting your research in high-quality journals and at conferences
-
participating in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students
-
cooperating with researchers active within the research group and outside
The research project is led by Prof. Fuhui Shen (https://research.ugent.be/web/person/fuhui-shen-0/en), who joined the Soete Laboratory of Ghent University in February 2025 as an Assistant Professor in the field of damage/fracture mechanics. Before, he was a postdoc researcher at the University of Oxford. In the past years our research group has accumulated critical expertise and laboratory infrastructure to support this PhD. This research will be in collaboration with senior researchers within the research group and with researchers from other departments and institutions.
The initial contract duration will be one year, during which you are hired as a PhD researcher. The contract can be extended to 4 years in total, under the condition of a positive evaluation after the initial period. Ghent University offers an attractive salary with additional benefits, a positive and inspiring working environment, and training possibilities. You will work at the Soete Laboratory in the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park in Zwijnaarde (Gent).
Job profile
We look for a highly motivated and talented individual with a strong background in computational solid mechanics, knowledge of damage/fracture mechanics, and experience in finite element modelling and mechanical testing. You are expected to be quick-witted, have an appetite for the theoretical and experimental, and be willing to apply and/or improve your programming skills.
-
You have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or materials engineering.
-
You have a strong background in computational solid mechanics and finite element modelling, preferably with continuum damage mechanics and/or phase field modelling.
-
You have proven experience in using ABAQUS and/or COMSOL, preferably with programming skills using Fortran/Python.
-
You have a team player mindset, a strong personality, and work in a result-oriented manner.
-
You are creative and willing to work in a multidisciplinary context.
-
You are proficient in oral and written English and have strong communication skills.
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 July 1, 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 Team Personnel Administration 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..
-
Access to state-of-the-art tools and facilities, and the possibility to collaborate with other research groups both within Ghent University and external institutions.
How to apply
If you are passionate about conducting cutting-edge research in the field of computational mechanics/materials engineering, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Send your CV, containing references/publications, a copy of your diploma (if already in your possession), and a motivation letter to fuhui.shen@ugent.be, including ‘MATDEG PHD’ in the email subject before 08/06/2025. If you pass the pre-selection, you will receive further instructions on the selection process and will be invited for an online job interview.
We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Fuhui Shen, fuhui.shen@ugent.be.