Université Gustave Eiffel
2 months ago
Post-doctoral Position: EMATs Development for the Non-Destructive Evaluation of Rails Université Gustave Eiffel in France
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 1, 2026
Country
France
University
Université Gustave Eiffel

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
More information can be found here
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
Université Gustave Eiffel is offering a full-time postdoctoral position in the GERS department / GeoEND laboratory, Nantes Campus, focused on the development of EMATs (Electro-Magneto-Acoustics Transducers) for the non-destructive evaluation of rails.
This project is part of an applied research programme funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) and carried out in consortium with I2M (Bordeaux University) and SNCF-Réseau, with a strong emphasis on rail infrastructure safety. The work is embedded in Work Package 3, dedicated to EMAT development towards non-contact imaging.
The successful candidate will develop, build, and test shear-wave EMATs for the detection of buried defects in rail components such as the head, web, and foot. Surface defects are not the focus. The project places particular attention on bulk-wave EMATs, while guided-wave solutions may also be explored if relevant results emerge from related modelling work.
The research will be carried out experimentally at laboratory scale in two stages. First, the candidate will work on metallic block samples, both non-ferromagnetic and ferromagnetic, to evaluate and validate EMAT concepts. Existing high-power sources at the GeoEND laboratory should be used where possible, though alternative driving approaches such as low-power excitation or tailored signals may also be considered. In the second stage, the work will be extended to rail specimens, including free-defect and machined-defect samples, to develop potential solutions aligned with SNCF-Réseau specifications for special defects.
This opportunity is well suited to a researcher with strong expertise in acoustics, electromagnetism, wave physics, and multiphysics experimentation, especially in EMAT design and implementation. The position requires a PhD or equivalent qualification, relevant research experience, and good command of both English and French.
Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected]. The application file should include a motivation letter, CV, PhD defense or pre-defense report, publication list, and contact information for two referees. The deadline is 1 December 2026.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in Acoustics, Physics of waves, or a related field, or possess equivalent qualification/experience in a related area, and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of research methods and techniques to work within the program. The post requires motivation for an experimental and multiphysics approach, 3 to 5 years of experience in the domain, and skills and experience in EMAT physics; proficiency in EMAT development is highly beneficial. English and French at a good level are required.
How to apply
Send an application email to [email protected]. Include a motivation letter in PDF, CV in PDF, PhD defense or pre-defense report in PDF, list of publications, and the names and full contact information of two academic or professional references.
Ask ApplyKite AI

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.