About the FSTM
The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.
The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.
Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.
Your role
As the successful candidate, you will contribute to a research project at the intersection of engineering (pre-stressed concrete bridges), material science (Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Elastomer), sensing technologies (fiber-optic sensors, DIC), and computer science (machine learning tools).
The aim of this Ph.D. project is to develop a novel bridge monitoring technique based on CLCE coating. This new technique, combining a novel material coating with a camera-based tracking system, aims to provide a unique spatially-distributed bridge monitoring, leading to new understandings of structural behavior and concrete degradation mechanisms.
The tasks comprise the development of the tracking system, the development of new concrete damage assessment based on spatially continuous strain datasets and the implementation of the systems on full-scale bridges. Multiple full-scale case studies of bridges in Europe (Switzerland, Luxembourg, …) will be used to validate the developed solutions and compare with state-of-the-art sensing technologies.
This groundbreaking research output will lead to the preservation of heritage structures, reduce the environmental impact of infrastructure management, and reduce maintenance costs.
Your profile
This project calls for an open character with curiosity across discipline boundaries (civil engineering, computer sciences, and sensing technologies). We do not expect any single person to be an expert across all these fields, but you must be open to learning about and embracing challenges in fields you may not yet have been working with. We thus warmly encourage you to apply even if you feel that you only partially meet the criteria in terms of background and expertise, as you will have the opportunity to acquire the missing knowledge during the first year of the project.
Requirements for the post are:
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in civil engineering (or related area)
- Good understanding of the structural behavior and material properties of concrete structures and modelling of civil structures. Knowledge of data science (optimization, machine learning) and structural sensing technologies is a plus
- Curiosity, a genuine passion for scientific research
- Openness to interdisciplinary research and commitment to teamwork
- Commitment and capacity to critical thinking and good research ethics
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
We offer
- Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
- A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
- A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …
How to apply
Applications should include:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter
- PDF version of your master thesis (file should be no larger than 20MB; compress images if necessary)
- Digital copies of diplomas and complete course grade transcripts (B.Sc. and M.Sc.)
Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.
General information:
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
- Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
- Location: Campus Belval
- Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
- Job Reference: UOL07087
The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time).
