University of Coimbra opens a call for one Early Stage Reseacher Position, in the framework of the METAVISION project (reference: Grant Agreement n.º 101072415 — METAVISION — HORIZON-MSCA2021-DN-01), funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe – MSCA Doctoral Networks programme, call 101072415, in the following conditions:
Scientific area: Civil Engineering;
Skills/Qualifications: To apply to this offer, you should have a profile that fits the project and the research group in what concerns:
• Having a 5 year (or more) bachelor degree or a master degree in acoustics, civil or mechanical engineering, physics or mathematics, obtained no longer than five years ago with good academic performance;
• Having some experience/knowledge regarding at least one of the following topics: principles of acoustics, numerical modeling techniques or experimental methods in acoustics;
• Being able to work as an active team member and to share results with colleagues, contributing to building a strong team that can achieve excellent scientific results;
• Being a responsible and committed researcher to the project you are involved in and to represent the research group during project meetings and conferences;
• Being proficient in written and spoken English.
Work plan/ Objectives: This doctoral project is part of a larger, multidisciplinary and international project METAVISION: “METAmaterials for VIbration and Sound reductION” (no. 101072415) funded under the Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks within the Horizon Europe Programme of the European Commission. METAVISION aims to reconcile two conflicting trends. On the one hand, people become increasingly aware of the negative health impact of excessive noise and vibration exposure. On the other hand, every kilogram of mass removed from the logistics chain has a direct economic and ecological benefit.
Current noise and vibration solutions still require too much mass or volume to be practically feasible, particularly for lower frequencies. There is thus a strong need for low mass, compact material solutions with excellent noise and vibration characteristics, for which recently emerged so-called metamaterials have shown immense potential.
21/04/23, 14:19 Call for Early Stage Reseacher Position | METAVISION project (reference: Grant Agreement n.º 101072415 (call 1) | EURAXESS https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/98973 3/5 METAVISION aims to develop novel design and analysis methods in view of broadening the performance and applicability of metamaterials, revolutionize the manufacturing of metamaterials towards large-scale and versatile solutions, and advance academically proven metamaterial concepts towards industrially relevant applications. METAVISION gathers universities (KU Leuven, Université du Mans and Universidade de Coimbra), research institutes (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology EMPA) and small- and large-scale industries (Siemens Industry
Software NV, Materialise NV, MetAcoustic, Phononic Vibes srl, Airbus, Swiss Federal Railways and MotaEngil Engenharia e Construção S.A.) from manufacturing, construction, transportation, machine design and noise and vibration solution sectors with the relevant expertise to create the coordinated research environment needed to bring metamaterials from academic concepts to large-scale manufacturable and industrially applicable noise and vibration solutions, paving the way towards a quieter and greener Europe.
The selected candidate will develop his PhD thesis in the development of a specific type of Metamaterial, namely a Phononic Crystal (PC), to be used as noise barriers. Some technical solutions of this type have been explored, and using porous concrete in these structures, on its surface or with internal resonant structures, has been shown to enable excellent sound absorption allied with intrinsic durability. The selected candidate will develop innovative, feasible and cost-effective solutions of this type, also accounting for possible production
strategies based on a modular concept, that can be quickly assembled on-site. The use of porous concrete based on residues forms a sustainable solution with high acoustic performance and lower cost and will be a significant leap from metal-based solutions, while additional incorporation of internal resonant structures will allow the maximization of performance.
The research will be developed at the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Coimbra, including both numerical and experimental developments. All required conditions exist in this institution, including a fully equipped acoustics and vibrations laboratory, prototyping (3D printing) equipment and software and hardware for numerical simulations. The selected candidate will be required to enrol the PhD program in Civil Engineering of the University of Coimbra, in the path of Constructions. The candidate will have to complete a number of compulsory and optional courses in the first semester (a total of 30 ECTS), after
which he will develop the research work.
The academic supervisors of this work will be Luís Godinho and Paulo Amado Mendes, from the University of Coimbra. This work will also have an industry supervisor, which will be Paula Alvarenga, from Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construção. The work will be mainly developed at the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Coimbra, and secondments with the companies Phononic Vibes and Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construção are expected to occur during the PhD, to allow an effective link to the industry.
Eligibility criteria: Candidates of any nationality are invited to apply, provided that they meet MSCA-DN mobility rules. These mobility rules stipulate that applicants will be ineligible to take up a position at a university located in a country where they have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the application deadline. In determining eligibility, the following periods are not considered: a) compulsory national service; b) time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention; c) short stays such as holidays. Applicants must hold a degree enabling them to enroll into doctoral studies in Civil Engineering by September 2023 at University of Coimbra.
Please note that applicants must not yet possess a doctoral degree in any field. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
Admission requirements: The requirements for admission to the PhD in Civil Engineering should be consulted in https://apps.uc.pt/courses/en/course/661. Note that the employment contract will only be signed after the applicant be admitted to the PHD course.
Benefits: The PhD candidate will be hired by the University of Coimbra, for 36 months, as Researcher under a full-time work contract, working exclusively for the project during contract compulsory working hours. According to the Portuguese legislation on public hiring of early stage researchers (Decree-Law 124/99) the contract includes the payment of: 21/04/23, 14:19 Call for Early Stage Reseacher Position | METAVISION project (reference: Grant Agreement n.º 101072415 (call 1) | EURAXESS https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/98973 4/5
– Salary (monthly salary more holidays and Christmas allowance);
– Social security tax;
– Food allowance;
– Annual PhD fee during 3 years.
The gross salary offered to the researcher is defined by MSCA-DN program conditions, with the necessary adaptations to the applicable national legal framework. The net income will be lower since a deduction of income tax, social contributions, and other permitted deductions need to be considered.
Location: Department of Civil Engineering (Faculty of Sciences and Technology of University of Coimbra);
Scientific orientation: Dr. Luís Godinho and Dr. Paulo Amado Mendes.
Selection methods: The evaluation of the received applications will be done based on the following criteria:
– Evaluation of the CV and academic profile of the candidate – (50%);
– Interview, which will take place by video-conference – (50%);
Selection criteria: The CV and academic profile of the candidate will be evaluated in the following aspects:
– Adequacy of the academic background of the candidate and the marks obtained during his Master and/or Bachelor courses – (35 %);
– Knowledge and previous achievements of the candidate in the areas of acoustics, numerical modelling and experimental testing in acoustics and vibrations – (30 %);
– Other elements (recommendation letters, motivation letter,…) sent by the candidate – (20 %);
– Demonstration of proficiency in written and spoken English – (15 %).
In the interview, the following aspects will be evaluated:
– Capacity to express himself/herself, and to discuss and present ideas convincingly – (50 %);
– Global view, knowledge and capacity to discuss topics related to acoustics and vibrations – (50 %).
Jury responsible for selection: The jury for selection of this candidate will be composed of 3 professors from the University of Coimbra, namely:
– Prof. Luís Godinho;
– Prof. Paulo Amado Mendes;
– Prof. Andreia Pereira.
Formalization of application: To formalize the application, the candidate should provide:
– A letter of motivation;
– Curriculum Vitae;
– Diplomas with transcripts demonstrating the fulfilment of the admission requirements;
– Any additional elements the candidate would like to provide (e.g. recommendation letters, …).
Applications submission: Applications should be submitted until May 10th, 2023, to lgodinho@dec.uc.pt.
Submission of applications: Applications will be accepted between 21st of April, 2023, and the 10th of May,
21/04/23, 14:19 Call for Early Stage Reseacher Position | METAVISION project (reference: Grant Agreement n.º 101072415 (call 1) | EURAXESS
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/98973 5/5
2023.