PhD Student

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD researcher in the field of mechanics of materials. You will work in the areas of computational mechanics, multi-physics modelling, and material failure, with the support of a fully funded project. You will work on a cutting-edge research project focusing on investigating the interplay between mechanical stress and environmental factors that accelerate material deterioration (e.g., hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion). The primary tasks include developing advanced multiphysics frameworks (finite element/phase-field methods) to simulate material degradation under coupled mechanical-electrochemical conditions. You will start working on in-house implemented coupled deformation-diffusion-degradation material models, and focus on further developments to resolve the local deformation heterogeneity under the influence of mechanical and electrochemical factors. You will investigate the effects of stress state, temperature, and hydrogen on the damage and fracture properties of metallic materials, considering the underlying failure mechanisms. Meanwhile, you will employ experimental approaches, including mechanical testing (in-situ damage/fracture mechanics tests, etc.) and characterization (scanning electron microscopy, X-ray tomography), to calibrate and validate the numerical simulations.
You will be responsible for

• conducting finite element simulations to gain insight into multiphysics material degradation phenomena
• performing relevant experiments and material characterizations
• presenting your research in high-quality journals and at conferences
• participating in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students
• cooperating with researchers active within the research group and outside

The research project is led by Prof. Fuhui Shen (https://research.ugent.be/web/person/fuhui-shen-0/en), who joined the Soete Laboratory of Ghent University in February 2025 as an Assistant Professor in the field of damage/fracture mechanics. Before, he was a postdoc researcher at the University of Oxford. In the past years our research group has accumulated critical expertise and laboratory infrastructure to support this PhD. This research will be in collaboration with senior researchers within the research group and with researchers from other departments and institutions.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on July 1, 2025 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
• You will work at the Soete Laboratory in the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park in Zwijnaarde (Gent).

Job profile

• We look for a highly motivated and talented individual with a strong background in computational solid mechanics, knowledge of damage/fracture mechanics, and experience in finite element modelling and mechanical testing. You are expected to be quick-witted, have an appetite for the theoretical and experimental, and be willing to apply and/or improve your programming skills.
• You have a Master's degree in a relevant field, such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or materials engineering.
• You have a strong background in computational solid mechanics and finite element modelling, preferably with continuum damage mechanics and/or phase field modelling.
• You have proven experience in using ABAQUS and/or COMSOL, preferably with programming skills using Fortran/Python.
• You have a team player mindset, a strong personality, and work in a result-oriented manner.
• You are creative and willing to work in a multidisciplinary context.
• You are proficient in oral and written English and have strong communication skills.

How to apply

If you are passionate about conducting cutting-edge research in the field of computational mechanics/materials engineering, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Send your CV, containing references/publications, a copy of your diploma (if already in your possession), and a motivation letter to fuhui.shen@ugent.be, including ‘MATDEG PHD’ in the email subject before 08/06/2025. If you pass the pre-selection, you will receive further instructions on the selection process and will be invited for an online job interview.
We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Fuhui Shen, fuhui.shen@ugent.be.