Marie Sklodowska-Curie ITN Early Stage Researcher Post in multidisciplinary design optimisation for aerospace composite structures (fixed term) (SCI1941)

Applications are invited to work with Dr. Ender Ozcan and the team of Airbus Defence and Space Germany GmbH as part of the H2020-funded Marie Sklodowska-Curie European Industrial Doctorate (EID) Network, “OptiMACS”. Successful applicants will register for a PhD programme at the University of Nottingham.

The design of new aircraft models is a very complex and time-consuming task. Requirements of different disciplines, such as aerodynamics, structural mechanics, flight physics, or fabrication, need to be fulfilled, while finding an optimal design for defined aspects (e.g. minimum weight). Therefore, a multidisciplinary design optimisation (MDO) process is used, where the different disciplines are taken into account simultaneously during optimisation.  

The successful applicant is expected to implement a standardized data interchange format for efficient and seamless integration among the discrete software modules in the existing MDO platform. Additionally, the applicant is expected to extend the optimisation methodology for airframe design throughout all phases. The PhD work will combine substantial theoretical and computational developments.

Candidates must be in possession of (or expected to obtain) a first class or equivalent degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering, applied mathematics/physics, or a relevant discipline and have a solid background in composite structures and/or computational modelling. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are also essential.

Candidates will also be required to meet the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher eligibility criteria: (http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/wp/2016_2017/main/h2020-wp1617-msca_en.pdf). In particular, at the time of appointment candidates must have had less than four years full-time equivalent research experience and must not have already obtained a PhD. Additionally, they must not have resided in the (host country) UK for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the appointment. 

This full-time position is offered on a fixed-term 18 month contract. The post benefits from a highly competitive and attractive salary, plus mobility and family allowances as applicable. This is an excellent opportunity to work in an international and multisectoral research environment. Intense mobility within, as well as outside Europe is envisaged throughout the duration of the project. The successful candidate will also benefit from a comprehensive training programme aiming at developing her/his technical skills, as well as softskills.

The candidate will be fully integrated in the Aircraft Optimization team of Airbus Defence and Space team. This is Europe’s number one defence and space enterprise, the second largest space business worldwide and among the top ten global defence enterprises. 

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr. Ender Ozcan (ender.ozcan@nottingham.ac.uk), and Dr Dimitrios Chronopoulos (Dimitrios.chronopoulos@nottingham.ac.uk). Formal applications must be made through the University’s online application system.

Closing Date: 22 May 2020
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)