PhD Position in Experimental micro-mechanics applied to cultural heritage
Are you an engineer fascinated by cultural heritage? Do you want to work in an
exciting multidisciplinary team? Looking for a talented and enthusiastic PhD
candidate to work on a challenging experimental micro-mechanics project to
characterize the aging response of oil paints.
Position
PhD-student
Irène Curie Fellowship
No
Department(s)
Built Environment
FTE
1,0
Date off
31/01/2023
Reference number
V38.5936
Job description
NUANCES (An integrated numerical-experimental approach to predict aging
of oil paintings) is a challenging research project funded by the Dutch
Research Council (VIDI Talent Scheme Grant). We are currently building a
team of talented and enthusiastic researchers to work on this exciting
research program.
An enormous percentage of oil paintings in museum collections, ranging
from the sixteenth century to the present time, suffers from different
types of chemo-mechanical deterioration phenomena. These are due to
complex chemical processes that occur spontaneously as the paintings age
and may ultimately affect the integrity and longevity of the painted
surfaces.
The goal of this PhD project is to unravel the origin of the changes in
the chemo-mechanical response of oil paintings through time, by means of
advanced experimental methodologies framed in the context of experimental
micro-mechanics.
You will work in the chair of Applied Mechanics, Department of the Built
Environment, under the supervision of dr. Emanuela Bosco, dr. Johan
Hoefnagels and prof. Akke Suiker. The chair of Applied Mechanics is
responsible for education and research in the field mechanics, working on
multi-scale, multi-physics and optimization problems related to the built
environment. The chair is a member of the Graduate School on Engineering
Mechanics, Netherlands. This graduate school offers the PhD students an
advanced training program in the field of Engineering Mechanics, of which
the core is formed by a joint series of advanced graduate courses that are
closely connected to state-of-the-art research themes.
You will carry out the experiments at the Multiscale Mechanics Laboratory,
Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Building Physics and Services
Laboratory, Department of the Built Environment. The Multiscale Mechanics
laboratory, led by dr. Johan Hoefnagels, bridges the gap between
traditional materials science and mechanical characterization labs, by
integrating micro-mechanical testing with real-time and in-situ
microscopic observation. The Building Physics and Services laboratory has
a large experience in research projects related to environmental
monitoring for museums.
You will closely interact with a numerical PhD student, who will develop a
computational model that simulates the time-dependent degradation of
paints as a function of the most critical chemical and physical processes.
The project is embedded within NICAS (Netherlands Institute for
Conservation, Art and Science), and received the support of important
national and international museums and cultural heritage institutions
(Rijskmuseum NL, CBC – Conservazione Beni Culturali, The Getty
Conservation Institute, …).
Job requirements
A talented, motivated and enthusiastic researcher. Analytical skills,
initiative and creativity are highly desired.
A MSc-degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics or
Materials Science, or equivalent degrees.
Interest to work in an interdisciplinary project that applies a mechanics
mindset to the field of cultural heritage.
A strong background in mechanics of materials is required. Experience in
experimental (micro-)mechanics is of benefit. Knowledge on chemistry is
a plus.
Excellent oral and writing skills in English.
Conditions of employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the
possibility to present your work at international conferences.
A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation
(go/no-go) after nine months.
To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your
career, you will make a Training and Supervision pland and you will have
free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF
program).
A gross monthly salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, pregnancy
and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with
the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities, starting with
€2,541 in the first year and €3,247 in the fourth year.
Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus
a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can
make use of the so-called ‘30% facility', which permits you not to pay tax
on 30% of your salary.
A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical
infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse
program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.
Information and application
About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking
university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-
on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a
top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental
knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of
today and tomorrow.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact dr. Emanuela Bosco, e.boscoattue.nl
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the
conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.BEattue.nl) or
+3140 247 3901.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please
visit our career page.
Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The
application should include a:
Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for
the position.
Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact
information of three references.
Brief description of your MSc thesis.
We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as
possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.
Please keep in mind you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. If
necessary please combine files.