General information
Offer title : Fixed-term researcher (M/F) in atomistic simulations of TRIP effect in high entropy alloys (H/F)
Reference : UMR7325-VALSEV-150
Number of position : 1
Workplace : MARSEILLE 09
Date of publication : 19 November 2025
Type of Contract : Researcher in FTC
Contract Period : 24 months
Expected date of employment : 1 April 2026
Proportion of work : Full Time
Remuneration : between 3131 and 4341 growth salary depending on experience
Desired level of education : Doctorate
Experience required : Indifferent
Section(s) CN : 03 - Condensed matter: electronic properties and structures
Missions
Refractory high entropy alloys (RHEAs) are single-phase solid solutions consisting of elements from groups IV, V, and VI, all present in high concentrations. They combine a very high elastic limit up to 1400°C and high thermal stability, making them promising for high-temperature applications. However, their ductility at room temperature is insufficient, and its physical origin remains poorly understood. Activating the “TRIP” effect (transformation-induced plasticity) is an interesting way to increase it, but the link between activated mechanisms and alloy composition has not been established. In this work, we propose to characterize in detail the stability and elastic properties of the involved phases involved at the atomic scale and at finite temperatures, for a series of model RHEAs. This will enable us to study the relevant elementary mechanisms associated with the TRIP effect and to feed into/build mesoscale models of the mechanical properties of RHEAs. To this end, a database of ab initio calculations will be created, and a highly accurate machine-learning potential will be developed.
Activities
The successful candidate will use high-performance computing (HPC) resources and carry out numerical, methodological, and theoretical developments. He/She will be required to present his/her scientific findings at national/international conferences, and to write the related scientific articles.
Skills
The candidate will have a PhD degree at the beginning of the contract, with a background in solid state physics, materials science or mechanics of materials. A strong interest in modeling and numerical simulation is required. Skills in programming, atomistic simulations (LAMMPS, Quantum Espresso, etc.), and fluency in English are required.
Work Context
The work will be carried out between two laboratories, CINaM (Aix-Marseille University, 4 months) and MatéIS (INSA Lyon, 20 months). Supervision will be provided by C. Attaccalite and T. Swinburne (CINaM) and by C. Varvenne and P. Grigorev (MatéIS).
The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.
Constraints and risks
Working with computer screens, and working at two sites