Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Multiscale Modelling of Composite Materials

This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant within the Euratom project SCORPIAN, which aims to address important weaknesses in promising silicon carbide fibre (SiC)/SiC matrix composite cladding material concepts for ATFs (accident tolerant fuels) by highly innovative material tailoring. You will undertake numerical modelling work to simulate damage propagation in the microstructure of SiC/SiC composites, including time-dependent and environmental factors. This is an 18-month postdoctoral position with an end date no later than 26 February 2026 and is part of the Euratom project SCORPION ( https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101059511).

With a background in numerical modelling of structural properties of materials, you will be self-motivated, able to plan and deliver a research project. You will have a PhD (or be near completion) in related topics and some experience in phase-field modelling of fibre-reinforced composites.

SCORPION strives for a radical improvement in the performance of SiC/SiC composite fuel claddings by material tailoring on the nanoscale. SCORPION is an ATF application-driven international collaboration between Europe, the USA and Japan to produce proof-of-concept SiC/SiC composite cladding materials with optimized performance for Gen-II/III LWR service environments. Multiscale predictive modelling within SCORPION aims to predict in-service evolution of mechanical and environmental damage in a SiC/SiC composite ATF cladding material concept. The modelling activities will help to rationalise experimental data and to further optimise the proof-of-concept materials.

All applications must be made online using the Oxford University E-Recruitment system, no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 11 June 2024. You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application.  Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at the Department of Materials on the week commencing 24 June 2024 and you must be available either by Teams, Zoom or in person. 

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