Research fellow position in mechanics of smart polymers for soft robotics

A research fellow position is available at University of Pavia in Italy starting February-May 2023. The position is part of a project in collaboration with Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Giulia Scalet (giulia.scalet@unipv.it).

Description and objectives: Soft robots find application in numerous sectors, e.g., automotive, aerospace, wearable, pharmaceutical, medical, and renewable energy, where failure and fracture issues represent a major concern. The aim of this research project is to develop theoretical and computational models, corroborated by experimental measurements, for the calibration of failure and fracture properties of soft polymers. Specifically, the candidate will work new constitutive theories for thermo-responsive shape memory polymers, enhanced with descriptions of failure and fracture and self-healing features, and on their numerical implementation within a finite element environment. The interested candidate will have the possibility to run specific experiments on 3D printed samples to validate numerical results. This research is in collaboration with Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. A research visit to this institution can be planned during the research contract.

Requirements: A Master degree in Engineering or Science is mandatory. The candidate should have a good background on solid and computational mechanics, knowledge of finite elements, and good programming skills (preferably, Matlab, Fortran, Mathematica). Knowledge of experimental procedures will be a plus. A PhD degree will be a plus. 

Duration: the contract will be one year, preferably starting between February and May 2023. The contract is renewable. The possibility to apply for a PhD fellowship at the end of the contract can be considered by the candidate (without a PhD degree).

Salary: the gross amount is € 19.367,00, inclusive of all the taxes to be borne by the recipient, and compatible with living costs in Italy (medical care is free).

Location: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy.

Application: http://www-5.unipv.it/alboufficiale/files/004335437-UNPVCLE-964126b9-69e...

For more information, please contact Dr Giulia Scalet (giulia.scalet@unipv.it).