PhD Position in Materials Science (M/F) – PhD07: Virtual Laboratory for Predicting Microcracking in Refractory Materials

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Objectives
The objective of this PhD project is to develop advanced numerical modelling tools to support the digital twins of refractory materials, with the aim of investigating the relationships between microstructure, processing routes, and thermomechanical performance. The research will combine physics-based modelling and numerical simulations, including thermomechanical coupling, damage evolution, and anisotropic material behaviour. These developments will result in a virtual digital framework capable of providing predictive indicators, virtual testing, and decision-support tools for assessing material lifetime and performance, in connection with the data architectures developed within the REFFRACTEUR project. All modelling developments will be implemented in the open-source Discrete Element Method (DEM) software GranOO.

Expected Outcomes
The digital twin approach will be validated against experimental results through the comparison of:
(i) thermomechanical properties such as the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, stress–strain behaviour, and fracture energy;
(ii) the dynamic observation of microcrack initiation, closure, and coalescence under thermomechanical loading using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microtomography.
Ultimately, the validated virtual laboratory will provide reliable predictive indicators and virtual testing capabilities for evaluating the lifetime and performance of refractory materials.

Keywords
Discrete Element Method (DEM), microstructure, refractory materials, thermomechanics, digital twins.

Candidate Profile
Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Materials Science and/or Computational Methods in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related field).

The successful candidate should have:
a strong background in numerical methods applied to solid mechanics;
good knowledge of materials science and experimental characterization techniques;
excellent written and spoken English skills. Experience in Python and/or C++ programming will be considered a strong advantage.

Your Work Environment

The IRCER (Institute of Research on Ceramics) is a joint research unit (UMR CNRS 7315) located in Limoges, France, and jointly operated by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Limoges. Affiliated with the CNRS Institute of Chemistry (INC), IRCER conducts research aimed at understanding and controlling processing routes for ceramics and surface treatments in order to develop materials and components with tailored properties. IMERYS S.A. is a French multinational company and a world leader in the production and processing of industrial minerals, serving a wide range of high-performance industrial applications. This PhD project is part of the REFFRACTEUR European Doctoral Network. The 36-month doctoral programme will be organised as follows:
Months 1–9 (9 months): the doctoral candidate will work primarily at the IMERYS research site in Lyon, France.
Months 10–27 (18 months): the candidate will work at IRCER (CNRS UMR 7315), University of Limoges, in Limoges, France.
Months 28–36 (9 months): the candidate will work to the IMERYS research site in Lyon, France to complete the project.

Constraints and risks

This position is located within a protected research area under the French Scientific and Technical Potential Protection (PPST) framework. In accordance with French regulations, the successful candidate's appointment is subject to prior authorization by the competent authority of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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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