There are two open Ph.D. positions in the MCMB Lab starting in the Spring term of the academic year 2022-2023, or in the Fall term of the academic year 2023-2024. One of these positions is in design optimization, and another position is in the fracture analysis of engineering/biological composites. Qualified candidates must have:

• A Master’s degree in Mechanical engineering or related background
• Strong interest in computational mechanics
• Strong interest in design optimization or fracture mechanics
• Strong computational, analytical, and mathematical modeling skills
• Proficiency in programming (C/C++, Python, or MATLAB)
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills
• An ability to work collaboratively with group members, collaborators, and industrial partners

In addition, experience in design optimization, fracture analysis, and programming in high-performance computing (HPC) environments is a big plus. For more information regarding our work in optimization, see these research pages: [1] and [2]. For information regarding our work in fracture analysis, see this page: [3].

To apply for this position, please contact the PI, Dr. Ahmad R. Najafi (arn55@drexel.edu). In the email, indicate which position you are applying for (optimization or fracture) and include your CV, transcripts, and one-page cover letter describing past project experience, research interest, and future career goals.

The Multiscale Computational Mechanics and Biomechanics Lab (MCMB Lab) at Drexel University is seeking for two immediate postdoctoral positions to conduct research on modeling fracture and healing phenomena in autonomous self-healing concrete structures. Looking for motivated postdoctoral candidates with great communication skills interested in computational damage/healing analysis to develop computational frameworks.

Essential Functions

• Computational damage/healing analysis to develop computational frameworks for multiscale reduced-order fracture modeling of vascular cementitious composites, modeling of stress corrosion cracking in steel-reinforced concrete structures, coupled/uncoupled damage-healing modeling of self-healing concretes.
• Working with experimental collaborators to Validate the models.
• Writing scientific reports and peer-review articles.
• Presenting the works in academic conferences and sponsor-supported meetings.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or a directly related field is required.
• 1-2 years minimum related experience is required.
• Strong interest in computational mechanics and fracture mechanics.
• Experience in multiscale modeling of fracture in composite materials.
• Proficiency in programming (C/C++ and high-level programming languages such as Python
  or MATLAB).
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• An ability to work collaboratively with group members, collaborators, and industrial
  partners.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research and publish results in peer-reviewed literature.
• An ability to work immediately in the United States.
• Some travel is expected for meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in Generalized/eXtended FEM (e.g., GFEM, XFEM, N/IGFEM).
• Background in reduced-order modeling (e.g., eigendeformation-based reduced-order Homogenization Method (EHM)).
• Background in explicit/implicit fracture analysis (e.g., crack modeling using FEM, continuum damage, phase-field method).
• Knowledge of fracture phenomenon in cementitious composite materials.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table

Location

• University City

Additional Information

This position is classified as exempt with a salary grade of J. For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure, https://drexel.edu/hr/career/ducomp/salstructure/

Please review the Benefits Brochure for some information on our benefits offerings.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

To apply for this position, please visit Careers at Drexel and follow the application instructions. Feel free to contact me at arn55@drexel.edu with any additional questions. Please make sure you upload your CV/resume, transcripts, and cover letter (please limit your cover letter to a maximum of 2 pages in length) when submitting your application. You may address your cover letter to Professor Ahmad Raeisi Najafi, PC Chou Assistant Professor.

Additional Required Documents

• Please also provide the contact information for three references in support of your application in your CV.

The review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.