PhD in Multi-Scale Modelling of Mechanical Cloaking Meta-Structures (Engineering, AI, Advanced Materials) Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology in United Kingdom

Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is recruiting a PhD Student in Multi-Scale Modelling of Mechanical Cloaking Meta-Structures within the ANR–FNR Metacloak project. The project sits at the intersection of Mechanical Engineering, Computational Mechanics, Finite Element Analysis, Materials Science, Metamaterials, Artificial Intelligence, and Uncertainty Quantification.

The PhD will develop a multi-scale numerical simulation framework to assess architected, additively manufactured meta-structures designed for mechanical cloaking. The research aims to understand how innovative materials and structures can redistribute stresses and reduce stress concentrations in protected regions such as holes, notches, cut-outs, interfaces, or embedded components.

Work will include micro-scale 3D finite element simulations, numerical homogenisation of metamaterial unit cells, and meso-/macro-scale structural modelling to predict stress fields efficiently. The project also includes surrogate modelling and AI/ML approaches to accelerate the micro-to-macro link, plus uncertainty quantification to study variability in material, geometric, and process parameters.

The position is based at Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology in Hautscharage, Luxembourg, with PhD enrolment at the University of Luxembourg and co-supervision from ENSAM Bordeaux. The role is suitable for candidates with a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field; strong candidates from Materials Science, Civil Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or Computational Engineering are also welcome.

Required and preferred skills include strong fundamentals in mechanics of solids and structures, FEM, numerical methods, scientific programming in Python, and experience with FE tools such as Abaqus. Interest in metamaterials, anisotropy, composite materials, surrogate modelling, optimisation, and uncertainty quantification is an asset. Fluency in English and French is required.

Funding details: this is a full-time fixed-term PhD contract for 48 months. LIST benefits include paid leave, health insurance, flexible working, and other staff benefits. However, the post explicitly states that university enrolment fees of 400 EUR per semester must be covered by the successful applicant.

Applications are reviewed continuously until the position is filled. Applicants must apply online and provide a motivation letter, scientific CV, publication list if applicable, and contact details for two references.