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.

The Laboratory of Ocular Biomechanics at the University of Pittsburgh is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral fellow position on microstructure-based modeling of soft tissue biomechanics and remodeling. The project goal is to understand aging and vision loss. Specific duties will involve imaging, finite element modeling, analysis and interpretation of results, manuscript preparation and presentation in national and international meetings.

The candidates should be bright, dynamic, highly motivated and self-driven, have an interest in clinical translation, have excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as on a collaborative interdisciplinary team. The candidates must have experience with soft-tissue modeling. A PhD in Bioengineering, Mechanical engineering or related fields is required. Experience in ophthalmology is preferred, but not necessary. The incumbent will work within a collaborative team of engineers, clinicians and basic scientists, with high productivity and a strong record of extramural funding from national and international sources. There will be opportunity for the incumbent to develop his/her own scientific ideas in the rich environment of the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one, or more, of the following:

• Experimental characterization of tissue structure and mechanics
• Image processing for strain analysis, such as digital volume correlation
• Experience with microscopy, optical coherence tomography or multiphoton microscopy

To apply, send i) a detailed CV and ii) two representative publications to Ian Sigal, PhD sigalia@upmc.edu. If available, also submit a brief summary of research experience, interests and goals (1 page max). More details about the Laboratory of Ocular Biomechanics at www.OcularBiomechanics.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

Likun Tan, Amit Acharya and Kaushik Dayal (To appear in JMPS)

This paper aims to apply a recently developed numerical scheme towards multi-time scale modeling, which we refer to as 'Practical Time Averaging' (PTA), to molecular dynamical (MD) systems. In the first part, we investigate the fine-scale dynamics of a one-dimensional chain of identical particles under cyclic loading. Assuming a double-well interatomic potential among adjacent particles leads to a phase transition between two distinct equilibrium states. Specifically, we study the macroscopic stress-strain behavior of the dynamical chain in three settings, i.e. Newtonian MD, Newtonian MD with viscous dissipation and Newtonian MD with thermostat. Rate-independent high frequency oscillations are observed in Newtonian MD due to an instability that is related to the non-convexity of the strain energy. This is stabilized by adding viscosity or a thermostat, which leads to strong hysteresis that is consistent with quasi-static results (i.e. lattice statics). In the second part, we first define coarse variables as finite time averages of phase functions in MD. Then we apply the technique of PTA developed in Tan, Acharya and Dayal 2013 to numerically approximate the coarse dynamics for the time averaged quantities. The tested model problems include a two-dimensional lattice made of stoichiometric Nickel-Manganese undergoing detwinning and a three-dimensional atomic chain made of face-centered cubic (FCC) Nickel under uniaxial tension. The macroscopic features (such as space-time averaged strain/stress) are obtained from coarse dynamics. It is also shown that the time savings become significant when the loading rate is small.

Due to their distinguished multi-field coupling properties, smart materials and structures have a wide range of application in aerospace, mechanical engineering, medical treatment, information storage, energy harvesting and so on. In past decades, smart materials and structures have been received considerable attention. We organize a mini-symposium on Multi-scale Modeling of Smart Materials and Structures at APCOM & ISCM 2013 (www.apcom2013.org), which will be held from December 11 to 14, 2013 in Singapore. The purpose of the mini-symposium is to provide a forum for discussion of recent advances in the multi-scale modeling of smart materials and structures, and exchange ideas and scientific findings in the field.

The mini-symposium invites the contributions on following topics:
# Phase field modeling on ferroelectric, ferromagnetic and multiferroic materials
# First-principles calculations and molecular dynamics simulations on smart materials and structures
# Finite element analysis and other continuum methods on multiphysics coupling of smart materials and structures
# Concurrent and hierarchical multi-scale methods for smart materials and structures
# Other topics related to smart materials and structures

To submit an abstract, please use the online system (www.apcom2013.org) and refer to our Mini-symposium (MS-62). Please also send an additional copy of your abstract by email to jw@zju.edu.cn.

University of Maryland at College Park: The Departments of Materials Science and Engineering (http://www.mse.umd.edu) and Mechanical Engineering (http://www.enme.umd.edu) seek outstanding individuals for tenured/tenure-track faculty position(s) in the areas of computational materials science, first principles methods to materials design, multi-scale modeling methods, and/or computational micro-/nano-mechanics. Successful applicants will have a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. We seek candidates who can transcend traditional boundaries and establish a vibrant research and teaching program at the University of Maryland. The tenure home can be either in materials science and engineering or mechanical engineering. Academic rank is open depending on qualifications, but we expect at least one position to be filled at the junior faculty level. Women and minorities are particularly encouraged to apply. For best consideration, applications should be received by January 24, 2013. However, the position will remain open until it is filled.

A cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research and teaching interests, and names of at least three professional references should be submitted electronically to: http://jobs.umd.edu ; position number 118718.

Questions about the position can be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Prof. Lourdes Salamanca-Riba (Email: riba@umd.edu; Phone: (301) 405-5220).

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

The newly established Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute (HEMI) at Johns Hopkins University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in the general areas of mechanics and materials across the full range of lengthscales and timescales, with a particular interest in materials subjected to extreme dynamic environments. Candidates will be considered at Assistant, Associate and Full Professor ranks. This is an interdepartmental search, and eventual faculty appointments may be (at the discretion of the candidate and the department) in any of the Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering or Civil Engineering at Johns Hopkins.

The Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute (hemi.jhu.edu) is a multidivisional institute that addresses the fundamental science issues associated with materials under extreme conditions. The institute includes strong collaborations with other universities, national labs and corporate affiliates, and currently houses three independent research centers.

The successful candidate must have an earned doctorate in a relevant field, is expected to develop a strong independent research program and be committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction. Applicants should provide a curriculum vita, the names of at least three references, and short (2 page) statements of research and teaching interests. All applications should be submitted electronically as a single PDF document to HEMISearch2012@jhu.edu. Review of applications will begin January 18, but we will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The University is committed to building a diverse environment; women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Johns Hopkins University is an EEO/AA Employer.

The Post-Doc position is open for 2013-2014 (2 years) at the
Faculty of Applied Sciences of the University of West Bohemia in
Pilsen, Czech republic. Details to be announced at the end of September 2012.

https://exliz.zcu.cz/en/about-project

The applicant must have completed his PhD. degree no earlier than on
March 31, 2008 The position is open for PhD. in applied mechanics, or
mathematical modeling or numerical analysis, or in a field with a
similar focus. He/she should prove good knowledge in continuum
mechanics, numerical methods, as well as a solid mathematical
background. Programming skills related namely to numerical methods
are required. An eligible candidate must be fluent in English with
documented results of his/her scientific activities presented in the
form of research articles and/or presentations at international
conferences.

The position in the field of multiscale modeling is oriented on using the
homogenization and associated numerical methods to describe behaviour
of complex heterogeneous structures at several scales, regarding
multiphysical interactions. The research can be focused on
theoretical aspects of the modeling, or on development of suitable
numerical algorithms for large problems and computer implementations
for efficient multiscale simulations, including solving of inverse
problems. Applications are expected in new material design or in
computational modeling for biomechanical and biomedical research.

Ph.D and postdoctoral associate positions are available at Rice University in the broad area of atomistic, molecular and multiscale modeling of cement-based materials. The projects include carrying out bottom-up atomistic and microtexture predictive simulations. Computational techniques will be integrated to approaches from statistical mechanics and physical chemistry to provide quantitative predictions of properties of cementitious materials across different time- and length-scales. The research will be carried out at Rice University’s Laboratory for Multiscale
Materials Modeling.

For the post-doctoral position, a Ph.D. in materials science,
chemistry, physics, engineering or a related field is required. The candidate
should have well-developed computational skills, a strong background and
interest in materials modeling and simulation, preferably experience in the areas
of ab-initio calculations, molecular
dynamics and Monte-Carlo atomistic simulations. Good written and spoken communication
skills are expected.

To apply, please send a CV, several representative publications, and
contact information of three references to rouzbeh@rice.edu. Evaluation of candidates will
begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For any
questions, please contact Dr. Rouzbeh Shahsavari:

Contact information:

Rouzbeh Shahsavari, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Principal Investigator, Laboratory for Multiscale Materials Modeling
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Rice University, Houston, TX.

Email: rouzbeh@rice.edu

Phone: 617-872-6507

Dear Colleagues,

I wish to bring to your attention my recent work with Mrinal Iyer on a field theoretic approach to the quasi-continuum method to appear in Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids. Below is the abstract and attached is the preprint of the article. I will very much appreciate your comments and suggestions.

A Field Theoretic Approach to the Quasi-Continuum Method

Abstract: The quasi-continuum method has provided many insights into the behavior of lattice defects in the past decade. However, recent numerical analysis suggests that the approximations introduced in various formulations of the quasi-continuum method lead to inconsistencies--namely, appearance of ghost forces or residual forces, non-conservative nature of approximate forces, etc.--which affect the numerical accuracy and stability of the method. In this work, we identify the source of these errors to be the incompatibility of using quadrature rules, which is a local notion, on a non-local representation of energy. We eliminate these errors by first reformulating the extended interatomic interactions into a local variational problem that describes the energy of a system via potential fields. We subsequently introduce the quasi-continuum reduction of these potential fields using an adaptive finite-element discretization of the formulation. We demonstrate that the present formulation resolves the inconsistencies present in previous formulations of the quasi-continuum method, and show using numerical examples the remarkable improvement in the accuracy of solutions. Further, this field theoretic formulation of quasi-continuum method makes mathematical analysis of the method more amenable using functional analysis and homogenization theories.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position within the Micro and Nano Mechanics Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University. The successful candidate will participate in a vibrant interdisciplinary research group and be involved in projects addressing multiscale modeling to understand load-transfer mechanisms in hierarchical carbon-based nanocomposites. Based on experience, the candidate will also have the opportunity to be involved in the modeling of semiconducting nanowires to understand failure modes and size effects in electromechanical properties. The group pursues a complementary experimental-computational approach; therefore, the candidate will be encouraged to work in close collaboration with experimentalists to facilitate the understanding of experimental findings.

Requirements:

1. A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related area is required.
2. Working experience in nanoscale science and/or engineering, including at a minimum two of the following areas:
1. Multiscale modeling with coupled QM/MM/continuum calculations
2. Ab initio calculations for investigating failure modes and electromechanical properties of materials
3. High performance computing – experienced with compiling and running scalable MD/QM codes on high end parallel machines
4. Knowledge of electrical (band structure, transport properties, polarization) or electromechanical (piezoelectricity, piezoresistivity) theory and computational modeling of electromechanical properties of nanoscale materials.
3. A good record of publications.
4. Strong verbal and written communication skills.

The position is available immediately for a period of one year and may be renewed thereafter. Actual start date is negotiable. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue to be accepted until the positions are filled. Interested candidates should submit a CV, a cover letter describing their research experience and interests, and the names and email addresses of at least three references to:

Professor Horacio D. Espinosa

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

Northwestern University

2145 Sheridan Rd.Evanston, IL 60208-3111

Email: mn-mechanics@northwestern.edu

http://clifton.mech.northwestern.edu/~espinosa/

Northwestern University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.

The University at Buffalo (SUNY) seeks a tenure-track assistant professor in the broad area of multiscale modeling of the production, assembly, and properties of engineered nanoscale materials, structures, or devices. Appointment at higher rank is possible in exceptional cases. For the details, please check the attachment.

Special issue of the "Journal of Computational and Theoretical Nanoscience," edited by Markus Buehler

This special issue of "Journal of Computational and Theoretical Nanoscience" will focus on computational and theoretical efforts towards a quantitative understanding of biological and synthetic bioinspired (and biomimetic) materials (e.g. DNA, proteins, mineralized tissues), their assembly, properties, and interaction with their environment, covering the broad field of materiomics. Materiomics is a new emerging field of the study of properties of biological materials (e.g. hierarchical protein structures, mineralized biological tissues, self-assembled viruses, etc.) in the context of their biological function by linking processes, structures and properties at multiple scales through the materials science paradigm.

This special issue emphasize on linking the chemical or molecular, and mesoscopic structures of these materials to macroscopic properties, across various scales, including the impact of genetic mutations, structural flaws and defects, hierarchical structures, solvent changes and other chemical stimuli on the meso- and macroscale properties of the material. A broad variety of computational and theoretical techniques will be covered, including first principles calculations, atomistic and molecular modeling, multi-scale approaches (e.g. coarse-graining), as well as continuum theory based methods. The objective of this special issue is to summarize recent progress made in this exciting field of research, and to highlight opportunities of computational and theoretical efforts to contribute to nanomedicine, nanoscience and nanotechnology. Properties and mechanisms of interest broadly include mechanical, biological/bioactive, optical, thermal, as well as electronic properties.

Please contact Markus Buehler (mbuehler@MIT.EDU) if you are interested in contributing.

About the journal: This journal was launched in 2004, and has been developing well over the past several years as a forum for computational and theoretical approaches in advancing nanoscience and nanotechnology. The journal is indexed in major databases including the ISI-Scientific database, Chemistry Citation Index (CCI), Science Citation Index-Expanded (SciSearch), Research Alert, Materials Science Citation Index (MSCI), Current Contents/Physical, Chemical & Earth Sciences (CC/PC&ES), Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cambridge Scientific Abstracts/METADEX-Engineered Materials Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts. There are no page charges and color illustrations and figures will be printed without any additional cost. The journal website is: http://www.aspbs.com/ctn/. Several recent special issues published in CTN have received considerable attention in the community, and I hope that this topical issue will make another exciting contribution to this collection.

The deadline for submission to the special issue is March 1, 2009. All papers submitted to this issue will undergo a strict peer review process to ensure high quality articles. We have planned to publish the special issue in late 2009 or early 2010.

The Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, invites applications for a PhD / PostDoc position at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Advanced Materials Simulation (ICAMS).

ICAMS (http://www.icams.de) is a new research centre in Germany which focuses on the development and application of a new generation of simulation tools for multi-scale materials modelling with the aim of reducing development cost and time for new materials. It is supported by a consortium of industrial partners and scientific institutions, and provides an enthralling working environment.

The department "Micromechanical modeling of macroscopic material behaviour" of Prof. Alexander Hartmaier is looking for a doctoral student or a postdoctoral researcher to investigate deformation and fracture at interfaces in the microstructure of materials. To accomplish these investigations, a scale-bridging scheme shall be developed, combining ab initio electronic structure methods with cohesive zone models on the macroscopic scale.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in solid state physics or materials science & engineering and be experienced in either ab initio electronic structure calculations or continuum methods. To apply for this position, please submit a scientific curriculum vitae, including publication list and a statement of your research interests.

Deadline for the application is January 15th, 2009. A possible starting date would be 1st of March 2009. For the beginning, the position is limited to two years, but there will be the possibility of an extension.

For further information or submission of your application please contact Rebecca Janisch, ICAMS, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany; rebecca.janisch@rub.de .

Ruhr-University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity in employment and gender equality in its working environment. To increase gender distribution in all job categories and at all levels, we strongly encourage applications from qualified women. Female applicants will be given preferential consideration when their level of qualification, competence and professional achievements equals that of male candidates, unless arguments based on the personal background of a male co-applicant prevail. Applications from appropriately qualified handicapped persons are also encouraged.

The Department of Structural Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) announces a vacant PhD position and a vacant post doctoral position in the area of multi-scale modelling of mono-sized polymer particles. The two positions will be a part of the new NANOMAT KMB project “From Molecular Structures to Mechanical Properties: Multi-scale Modelling for Polymer Particles (MS2MP)”, funded by the Research Council of Norway. A series of new applications of the Ugelstad polymer particles within the electronics industry have recently been developed. Mechanical properties are extremely important in these novel applications. The main goals of the project are to develop a multi-scale modelling methodology to predict the macroscopic mechanical properties of selected polymer particles from their nano-scale molecular structures, and provide fundamental knowledge for the industry to tailor-make polymer particles with optimised mechanical properties. The project will be in close collaboration with Prof. Jacob Fish, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA.

Dept. of Structural Engineering has more than 50 young, hard working and social PhD students and post doctoral fellows, and is well-equipped with experimental facilities including the recently established state-of-the-art NTNU Nanomechanical lab.

Detailed information about the positions can be found in the attached announcement.

Vin Crespi (Penn State physics) and I are looking for a post-doctoral student to continue a National Science Foundation supported project studying the use of multi-scale modeling methods for predicting instabilities in nano- and micro-scale structures. The position would be for one year given satisfactory progress. There are many different directions and aspects, from quantum to continuum mechanics, of the project and we are willing to take it in any direction. Thus, if you have a strong background and Ph.D. in mechanics or theoretical physics, please send your CV to emm10@psu.edu and I can give you more details about the project and what has already been done.

Eric Mockensturm