PhD Studentship in Mechanical Design - Structural and Computational Mechanics

The Instituto de Engenharia Mecânica (IDMEC) in Portugal is offering a PhD studentship in Mechanical Design, focusing on Structural and Computational Mechanics. This opportunity is part of the Associated Laboratory of Energy, Transport and Aeronautics, with financial support from FCT.IP through national funds. The research will be conducted at IDMEC, located in Lisbon, under the scientific supervision of Prof. Nuno Silvestre, with additional jury members Prof. José Miranda Guedes and Dr. Aurélio Araújo. The studentship targets candidates with a strong background in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, holding both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Applicants must demonstrate proven expertise in the behavior of composite GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) materials and structures, from both experimental and computational perspectives. In-depth knowledge of the design and safety verification of pultruded GFRP structures is essential, as is a record of scientific publications in these areas. Degrees obtained abroad must be officially recognized by a Portuguese institution before contract signing. The research project will focus on the scientific dissemination of key results from ongoing work, particularly in structural testing of FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) members, reliability analyses of safety-checking formats, and the development of design guideline recommendations. Specific research topics include the statistical characterization of geometric imperfections in closed sections, experimental and numerical studies on the axial compression behavior of pultruded GFRP columns with various geometries, and the formulation and validation of a direct resistance method with reliability analysis. The goal is to produce and submit several scientific articles to international peer-reviewed journals within the initial three months of the fellowship. The fellowship is initially offered for four months, starting in January 2026, with the possibility of renewal up to the maximum period allowed by regulations. The monthly maintenance allowance is €1,309.64, paid via wire transfer, in accordance with FCT's current rates for research fellowships in Portugal. The selection process is based on curriculum evaluation, and all applicants will be notified of the results by email. Unsuccessful candidates have ten working days to submit a formal rebuttal. To apply, candidates must submit a Curriculum Vitae, academic degree certificate, proof of PhD enrollment (or a declaration of intent to enroll), and a motivation letter. Applications should be sent by email to Ms. Carla Leitão at [email protected] by 18:00 (Lisbon time) on November 28, 2025. Additional information, including contract and report drafts, can be found on the IDMEC job openings page. For further details, visit the official position link on EURAXESS or the IDMEC website.