PhD position: Advanced FFT-based Crystal Plasticity Framework for Microstructure-Sensitive Mechanical Behaviors CNRS in France

This PhD position at CNRS (LEM3, Metz, France) offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the AMMETIS project, part of the PEPR DIADEM framework. The project aims to advance the characterization and modeling of innovative materials by integrating high-throughput experimental techniques, physics-based mesoscopic modeling, and artificial intelligence. The research will focus on developing advanced crystal plasticity models that capture microstructure-dependent plastic deformation mechanisms, addressing limitations of classical models by incorporating non-local formulations and internal length scales associated with dislocation structures and microstructural interfaces.

Key modeling strategies include strain gradient plasticity, micromorphic approaches, and mesoscale field dislocation mechanics. These models will be calibrated and validated using high-resolution experimental data such as HR-DIC, HR-EBSD, and nanoindentation mapping, providing detailed insights into strain localization, lattice rotations, and local mechanical properties. The implementation will utilize AMITEX-FFT, a massively parallel FFT-based simulation platform for polycrystalline plasticity, enabling efficient simulation of realistic 3D microstructures.

The project will generate a large database linking microstructural descriptors to macroscopic mechanical behavior, which will be leveraged to develop AI-based surrogate models for rapid prediction of material properties at the structural scale. The research is primarily conducted at LEM3 in Metz, with collaborations involving CEA (Saclay) and PIMM (Paris). The position is fully funded, offering a gross salary of approximately €2300 per month for three years, and is available from September 2026 (flexible start date).

Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Computational Mechanics, with a strong background in continuum mechanics and advanced plasticity modeling. Experience with numerical methods for PDEs and programming skills in Python are required; knowledge of C++, Fortran, or HPC is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and motivation for collaborative academic-industrial research. Excellent English proficiency is essential.

To apply, send your application (including CV, transcripts, and motivation letter) to Dr Mohamed Jebahi at [email protected]. The application deadline is 30 June 2026. For further information, visit the project and laboratory websites provided in the position description.