Description du sujet de thèse

-CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique) is seeking a highly motivated graduate student (M/W) to enroll in an Industrial Doctorate hosted at the Laboratoire SIMaP at CNRS, France and the Green Innovation Center at FLSmidth, Denmark. The project is part of the international industrial doctoral training network entitled "Data Enabling Transformation and Optimization towards Concrete Sustainability” (DETOCS), funded by the Marie Skolodowska-Curie Action of the European Commission.
Scientific Project
The goal is to develop a clinker mineralogy prediction model based on a high temperature thermodynamic approach and to use these numerical results to evaluate the clinker reactivity in composite cement. Such model combines a modern way to predict complex phases in multicomponent systems via the Calphad approach together with start-of-the-art machine learning modelling – which ideally uses also cement making process data as an input.
The specific objectives are: 1) develop a numerical model to predict the clinker mineralogy for a given chemical composition (major and minor clinker phases). The thermodynamic database can also be used for process modeling; 2) develop a blended cement reactivity model based on thermodynamic hydration modeling; and 3) investigate unexplored composition ranges using machine learning techniques to detect correlations between clinker mineralogy, specific heat consumption for production and cement reactivity.

Contexte de travail

We are seeking for a highly motived candidate (M/W) who is passionate about understanding cement chemistry, thermodynamic modelling using the Calphad approach and cement characterization techniques. Additionally, knowledge on cement production process, data analytics, and machine learning models are desirable. The project will involve both material characterization (chemistry, physics, thermal analysis, microscopy) and numerical modelling (high temperature thermodynamics and machine learning)
Previous experience on some of the above will be highly appreciated. Engineers with a Master degree in Materials Science, Inorganic / Physical Chemistry or Chemical Engineering as well as individuals with a quantitative science background in physics or chemistry with a main interest on the future of cement production are encouraged to apply.
Benefits
– 3-year full-time employment contract (salary according to MSCA regulations for Doctoral Candidates and their family status at the time of the recruitment).
– Gaining experience abroad. Full employment period at CNRS, France for 36 months (with 12 months secondment at FLSmidth, DK) with a doctor degree granted by Grenoble Alpes University. During this period, short technical visits to Cementos Argos, CO and RWTH, DE are planned.
– Enrolment in a PhD program at Grenoble Alpes University and opportunities for participation in national and international scientific meetings.
– Enlarged professional network and improved future scientific career perspective in academia and the private sector.
– Shared research and innovative multidisciplinary and multisectoral training by senior scientists, experts and experienced trainers from academia and industry.
– A structured training program consisting of research-related courses, soft skill courses, targeted workshops, social events, and networking.

Informations complémentaires

The project consists of one employment period with one secondment. The first period of 18 months at CNRS, France, followed by 18 months at FLSmidth in Denmark. During this period, two technical visits to DETOCS industrial partners will take place, namely, to Cementos Argos, Colombia and RWTH, Germany.

Benefits
– 3-year full-time employment contract (salary according to MSCA regulations for Doctoral Candidates and their family status at the time of the recruitment).
– Gaining experience abroad. Full employment period at CNRS, France for 36 months (with 12 months secondment at FLSmidth, DK) with a doctor degree granted by Grenoble Alpes University. During this period, short technical visits to Cementos Argos, CO and RWTH, DE are planned.
– Enrolment in a PhD program at Grenoble Alpes University and opportunities for participation in national and international scientific meetings.
– Enlarged professional network and improved future scientific career perspective in academia and the private sector.
– Shared research and innovative multidisciplinary and multisectoral training by senior scientists, experts and experienced trainers from academia and industry.
– A structured training program consisting of research-related courses, soft skill courses, targeted workshops, social events, and networking.