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University of Freiburg

Doctoral Researcher in Strain-Rate-Dependent Effects of Defects in Composite Materials (Marie-Curie LEGEND) University of Freiburg in Germany

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Materials Science

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Aug 31, 2026

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Country

Germany

University

University of Freiburg

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Keywords

Materials Science
Aerospace Engineering
Computational Mechanics
Experimental Mechanics
Damage Mechanics
Finite Element Analysi

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About this position

The University of Freiburg is advertising a fully funded doctoral researcher position in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Training Network LEGEND (Leading-Edge evaluation and GENeration of Defect-tolerance in composite structures).

The project is hosted at the Institute for Sustainable Systems Engineering (INATECH) and is embedded in the Sustainable Engineering Materials / Dynamic Behavior of Materials research group. The research topic is strain-rate-dependent effects of defects in composite materials, with a strong focus on experimental mechanics, computational mechanics, high-rate loading, and rate-dependent material modelling.

You will plan and carry out quasi-static and high-rate mechanical testing of composite coupons with controlled embedded defects, use the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar for dynamic testing, and analyse X-ray and synchrotron computed tomography data. The project also includes image segmentation, finite element reconstruction of defect geometry, calibration and validation of a continuum damage mechanics model, and statistical derivation of defect-specific knock-down factors.

The position is part of a wider European doctoral network involving universities, research organisations, and industrial partners across six countries. You will benefit from structured training, network events, summer-school-style courses, conferences, transferable-skills training, and several months of research visits to partner institutions in Portugal and Spain.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics, computational mechanics, or a closely related field. Strong English is required; German is optional. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rule applies, and applicants must still be doctoral candidates at the time of recruitment.

Funding: fully funded, full-time, 36 months. The post follows MSCA salary rules, including a living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance where applicable, with taxes and deductions applying.

Deadline: 31 August 2026. Applications must be submitted via the University of Freiburg online portal only.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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