Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges

About Us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.

Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

Your role

The successful candidate will contribute to a research project at the intersection of engineering (pre-stressed concrete bridges), material science (Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Elastomer), sensing technologies (fiber-optic sensors, DIC), and computer science (machine learning tools) in collaboration with de department of Physics.

The aim of the BriCE project is to develop a novel bridge monitoring technique based on CLCE coating. This new technique, combining a novel material coating with a camera-based tracking system, aims to provide a unique spatially-distributed bridge monitoring, leading to new understandings of structural behavior and concrete degradation mechanisms.

The tasks comprise the development of the tracking system, the development of new concrete damage assessment based on spatially continuous strain datasets and the implementation of the systems on full-scale bridges. Multiple full-scale case studies of bridges in Europe (Switzerland, Luxembourg, …) will be used to validate the developed solutions and compare with state-of-the-art sensing technologies.

This groundbreaking research output will lead to the preservation of heritage structures, reduce the environmental impact of infrastructure management, and reduce maintenance costs.

Your profile

This project calls for an open-minded individual with curiosity across disciplinary boundaries (civil engineering, computer science, and sensing technologies). We do not expect the candidate to be an expert in all these fields, but they must be open to learning about and embracing challenges in areas they may not yet have worked in. We therefore warmly encourage you to apply even if you feel that you only partially meet the criteria in terms of background and expertise, as you will have the opportunity to acquire the missing knowledge during the first months of the project.

Requirements for this position:

• PhD in civil engineering or related area
• Expertise on structural health monitoring (SHM) or concrete testing
• Experience in laboratory / full scale testing of concrete structures
• Good Knowledge of data science, e.g. optimization, machine learning, and structural sensing technologies
• Openness to interdisciplinary research and commitment to teamwork
• Commitment and capacity to critical thinking and good research ethics
• Fluency in English is required
  
  

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …
  
  

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter detailing your motivation for applying to the advertised research topic and/or project, including how your background, interests, and career goals align with its objectives
• PDF version of your PhD thesis
• Selected publications (max 3)
• Digital copies of diplomas and complete course grade transcripts (PhD)
  
  

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 21 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07957
  
  

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 85176 (full time).