Research Associate - Postdoctoral Research Position in Pavement Materials and Structural Engineering (f/m/d)
Weitere Informationen
The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term initially for 2 years.
An Extension is possible.
The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a full-time position with the possibility of a part-time contract upon request.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.
Unser Profil
The Institute of Highway Engineering (ISAC) at RWTH Aachen University is seeking a qualified and motivated postdoctoral researcher to support our ongoing research efforts in the field of pavement materials and structures. The project focuses on advancing mechanistic understanding, numerical modelling, material characterisation, and intelligent evaluation methods to improve the performance, resilience, and sustainability of road infrastructure.
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to research topics related to pavement materials and structural performance, which may include:
• Multiscale and multiphysics modelling of pavement behaviour
• Advanced material characterisation (asphalt, binders, recycled and bio-based materials)
• Numerical simulation using FEM/DEM or surrogate/AI-based methods
• Digital twins and data-driven performance prediction
• Functional and sustainable pavement technologies
• Non-destructive testing and sensing integration in pavements
The position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment and to contribute to both ongoing and newly developing research initiatives at ISAC.
Ihr Profil
• University degree (master's degree or equivalent) and a completed Doctorate (PhD or Dr.-Ing.) in Civil Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Engineering, or a related discipline with emphasis on structural mechanics, materials, or pavements
• Experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Numerical modelling (e.g. ABAQUS, ANSYS, COMSOL, DEM tools)
- Pavement material characterisation and laboratory testing
- Data-driven modelling and AI methods in engineering
- Multiscale material modelling or mechanistic design
• Solid analytical and computational skills, experience in Python or MATLAB is an advantage
• Motivation for interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific publishing
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken); German is an asset but not required
Ihre Aufgaben
• Develop and apply analytical, numerical, and/or experimental methods to study pavement materials and structures
• Design and conduct laboratory testing programmes or simulation workflows
• Analyse mechanical response, durability, and performance evolution of pavements
• Integrate modelling, data analysis, and performance evaluation into research outputs
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary research teams and contribute to joint publications
• Present research findings at national and international conferences
• Supervise student projects and contribute to teaching activities in pavement engineering
Über uns
RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason.
As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.
You can find information on the personal data we collect from applicants in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at http://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbung.
Besoldung / Entgelt
EG 13 TV-L