Post-doctoral researcher (M/F) : Physics/Acoustics/Aeroacoustics: Fellowship in EU H2020 ERC StG “NASA” Grant Agreement No. 101077954

Job Description

Missions

The central aim of this postdoctoral project is to extend current understanding of perfect sound absorption into regimes where a mean flow is present in acoustic waveguides. This is a physically important and largely unexplored extension of perfect absorption theory: in many realistic engineering and industrial applications – such as duct acoustics, HVAC systems, aeronautical liners, and automotive exhaust systems –mean flow is unavoidable and can profoundly alter the absorption properties of acoustic devices.

A key scientific question driving this project is whether mean flow, rather than being merely a complicating factor, can itself become a mechanism for inducing or enhancing perfect absorption. In particular, for specific geometries such as small diaphragms or apertures, flow-induced effects (such as vortex shedding and nonlinear flow-sound interactions) may give rise to significant energy dissipation even when the passive acoustic structure alone would provide only weak absorption. The project will investigate whether such configurations can be tuned or optimized to achieve perfect or near-perfect absorption across a range of frequencies.

The research will be conducted through both numerical simulations and experimental work, ensuring that theoretical predictions are validated against physical measurements. The postdoc will therefore contribute actively to both the computational and experimental aspects of the project, working in close collaboration with the aeroacoustics teams within LAUM.

Activity

During this contract, the postdoc will:

- Develop and extend theoretical and numerical models to describe sound absorption in waveguides in the presence of mean flow, including the coupling between acoustic and hydrodynamic fields.

- Conduct numerical simulations (using tools such as MATLAB and COMSOL) to characterize the absorption properties of specific geometries (e.g., diaphragms, orifices, and lined ducts) under flow conditions.

- Design and carry out experiments to measure acoustic absorption in flow duct configurations, validating numerical predictions and exploring new physical regimes.

- Investigate the conditions under which mean flow itself – through phenomena such as flow-acoustic interactions at geometric discontinuities – can be leveraged to achieve perfect or broadband absorption in otherwise weakly dissipative systems.

- Disseminate results through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.

Your Profil

Skills

- Strong knowledge of acoustics and wave propagation, ideally including flow acoustics, aeroacoustics, or duct acoustics.

- Experience with numerical simulation software, in particular MATLAB. Knowledge of COMSOL Multiphysics is a strong asset.

- Experimental skills in acoustics or fluid mechanics are highly valued.

- Fluent English, both written and spoken, is required.

- Strong writing skills, with the ability to formulate scientific projects and produce peer-reviewed publications.

- Aptitude for working in a team on multidisciplinary projects.

- Ability to work independently, with good organisational skills and accountability.

- Candidates must hold a doctorate in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Acoustics, or an equivalent field, and demonstrate proven research skills evidenced by at least two publications as first, joint first, or second author related to the subject or activities of the project.

Your Work Environment

He/she will work under the supervision of Dr. Vassos Achilleos and in close collaboration with other members of the team within the context of the NASA project.

The postdoc will be hosted by the Laboratoire d'Acoustique de l'Université du Mans (LAUM), a joint research unit between Le Mans Université and CNRS, UMR 6613 (section 9, Institut des sciences de l'ingénierie et des systèmes, INSIS). LAUM has approximately 160 employees, including 60 full-time researchers and professor-researchers. It is a leading institution in Acoustics, with a unique ensemble of equipment for general and experimental acoustics. It is associated with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in France.

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the “Waveguides and Structures” team of LAUM. The research activities of the team span wave phenomena in waveguides, including metamaterials, aeroacoustics, nonlinear waves, disorder, symmetries, and topology.

Constraints and risks

Short periods of travel within France and abroad should be expected for conferences and collaborations. All travel will be funded by the project.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From € 3 041 to € 4395 gross per month, depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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