The candidate will participate as an early-stage researcher (ESR) to the Marie Skłodowska - Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN) project: “Smart surface design for efficient ice protection and control” (SURFICE). A project under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

The project will be carried out at KU Leuven (Belgium), under scientific supervision of prof. David Seveno https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/en/person/00089681, secondments of 3-6 month at different MSCA-ITN partner institutions will be part of the project.

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Project

A 36-month doctoral position as an early-stage researcher (ESR) focused on the modelling of ice nucleation is proposed within the framework of a Marie Skłodowska - Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN) project “Smart surface design for efficient ice protection and control” (SURFICE), a project under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

The project will focus on the modelling of wetting at the nanoscale using molecular dynamics simulations accounting for the heterogeneous nucleation of ice leading to freezing. You will work at the Department of Materials Engineering of the KULeuven (www.mtm.kuleuven.be). The project will be structured in the following phases:

• Design and setup of simulations modelling spontaneous spreading and forced wetting in icing conditions
• Identification of key descriptors characterizing the nucleation of ice at the nanoscale
• Conceptualization of the simulation results into a theoretical framework transferable to large scale models

Cross-correlations with outputs from: (i) wetting/icing experiments, performed at University of Milano-Bicocca (Italy), in the group of prof. Carlo Antonini; and (ii) other ice adhesion tests performed at TUDarmstadt (prof. Ilia Roisman).

Based on the proposal, three secondments at UCL (UK), 2 months, ACRT(GE), 1 month, and OPT (BE), 3 months are planned during the PhD programme. These may be modified if more relevant/productive secondments become available as the work of the ESR and the SURFICE network evolves.

Profile

• Candidates should have recently obtained a Master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or Materials Engineering with outstanding grades.
• Candidates should have a strong modelling and theoretical background in at least one of the following topics: molecular dynamics, surface science, wetting, icing, anti-icing technologies, and adhesion.
• Desirable: programming experience (Python, Matlab, C++, or other coding languages).
• Language skills: ENGLISH: Excellent; DUTCH: of advantage for the interaction within the University, however not required.
• Candidates have to be hard working, enthusiastic and intelligent with a strong interest in understanding the fundamentals of materials behavior, as well as its implications for engineering applications.
• You have a talent for conceiving modelling hypothesis and can realize them in a target-oriented manner.
• You must have less than 4 years of research experience, i.e., you should be an early-stage researcher.
• You must not have resided or carried out your main activity in the country of the hiring organization for more than 12 months during the last 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment (short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account).

Offer

This position offers a PhD of KU Leuven, and international environment, guidance by leading scientists and competitive fellowship,social security, and other benefits. The successful candidate will receive an attractive salary in accordance with the MSCA regulations for Early Stage Researchers, includes living allowances, mobility allowance and family allowance if eligible under the MSCA ITN rules.