Post-doc position at University of Alberta

 

 Postdoctoral Position In Topology Optimization And Finite Element Modeling 

The Position 

The Additive Design and Manufacturing Systems Laboratories has recently commissioned a laser powder bed fusion metal additive manufacturing system and a wire-arc additive manufacturing system. The laboratory has experienced significant growth and is looking to hire a post-doctoral researcher who will support the topology optimization, structure design and finite element modeling for metal additive manufacturing processes. 

This position will be open to candidates possesing an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a relevant discipline, and a PhD in topology optimization, design for additive manufacturing, or finite element modeling for structures under dynamic forces (PhD obtained after 01-December-2016). Applicants who have applied before to ADAMS lab may also apply provided their PhD completion date is after December 01, 2016. The initial term of the contract will be one year with a possibility of extension dependant on continuation of contract and availability of funding. 

Candidate profile and requirements 

The candidate must necessarily possess expertise and experience in the following research areas: 

1. Application of topology optimization for design and modeling of mechanical structures using techniques such as unit cell-based design, level sets, meta materials, and generative design for structural design of mechanical components under given mechanical and manufacturing design specification. 

2. Expertise in solid modeling, mesh generation, and linear and non-linear finite element analysis with applications to areas such as vibration and impact, contact, fatigue, and wear of mechanical systems and machines under varying test conditions. Experience and expertise in at least one of the main FEA software's such as ABQUS or ANSYS is required. 

3. Experience of material characterisation including mechanical testing such as tensile, flexural, and compression testing, and digital image correlation. 

In addition to above necessary requirements, candidates with experience in the following areas will be given priority: 

1. a. Experience of working with metal additive manufacturing systems. 
2. b. Experience of microstructure and material characterisation such as microscopy, XRD, EDX, and EBSD. 
3. c. Experience of working with polymer additive manufacturing systems. 

The successful candidate will be required to work independently and must demonstrate excellent verbal and written English communication skills evident through high-quality journal publications in the research area. It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to start the position at the latest by January 02, 2021. The candidate should possess or be eligible to apply for a valid drivers license and will be expected to travel within the city and Alberta as per the project requirements (and following COVID-19 mandated restrictions). The candidate should also be willing and eligible to travel to other provinces, or internationally as per the project needs, but following COVID-19 mandated restrictions noted by the University of Alberta, and the Governments of Alberta and Canada. 

The Project 

The candidate's primary responsibility will be to analyze and redesign components of machinery equipment used in the energy, mining, space, and automotive industries using topology optimization techniques and metal additive manufacturing technology to improve functional performance, reliability, and quality of the systems. 

The scope of the project includes the following tasks for the design and manufacturing of components: 

• • Applying topology optimization and assembly consolidation concepts to reimagine existing conventionally manufactured components and assemblies for novel designs suitable for AM processes. 
• • Validation of the designs using an appropriate finite element analysis. 
• • Experimental characterization and validation of materials and printed components with a focus on wear resistant materials through laser powder bed fusion, wire arc additive manufacturing, or plasma transfer arc additive manufacturing. 

Application Procedure 

The application may be submitted through an online submission process by accessing the link given below: 

https://forms.gle/X1X6rm2Ju7SEpadD7 

The candidates will be asked to fill an online form and upload a single PDF file which includes: 

1. i- A cover letter that high lights your suitability for the position 
2. ii- A detailed curriculum vitae highlighting areas of research, a list of publications, awards and honours, and a list of three professional references. 
3. iii- A minimum of 2 samples of the candidate's most significant scholarly work pertaining to the research areas defined in the candidate profile. Additional documents may be requested upon submission of the aforementioned documents. 

Please note that only the complete applications, including the documents i-iii from the candidates graduating with Ph.D. after December 01, 2016, will be considered. The review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position has been filled. 

Interested candidates should use ADAMS771611PDF as the job competition number in the online form. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those short listed for an interview will be contacted. 

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.