VAC-2025-72 – PhD position MSCA-DN-GECKO. DC2-Isogeometric discretizations in computational solid mechanics

Number of places: 1

Category: PhD Student 1 (PhD 1)

Workplace: Barcelona, Spain

Salary (annual gross): 32.545,47 € + family allowance (if applicable according to the call)

Weekly working hours: 40 hours

Contract type: Permanent linked to scientific activities

Duration:11 months

This contract is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the MSCA DN project GECKO (GA No 101073106)

The main objective of the GECKO project is to bridge the existing gap between the CAD and the computational models (CAE) and integrate them within the industrial workflow. This will imply collaborating with industries in enhancing the adoption of the technology within commercial solvers and adapting existing open-source frameworks so that they can hook into the industrial practice and thus remain relevant in the foreseeable future.

In the practice, this implies ensuring that open-source solvers, developed in the academia for both solid and fluid dynamics, are able to use as an input domain any CAD geometry, even in cases in which the geometrical definition is not optimal, i.e. poorly defined or “dirty” geometries with no additional operations nor user intervention.

Functions to be developed:

Within the MSCA-DN GECKO, explore the applicability of IBRA-type discretization to problems in solid mechanics. This will imply on one side studying the use of trimming in 3D volumetric solids, for which CAD support is sparse, exploring the interaction between the discretization in multiple patches and material modelling related aspects to assess the impact of the discretization. All these implementations will be performed inside the open-source Kratos-Multiphysics code.

Expected results:

• Assessment of non-linear solid mechanics methods with IBRA-type discretizations
• Use of trimming of 3D geometries for solids
• Mesh-dependency assessment in IBRA solid mechanics applications involving strain localization.

According to WP 2021-2022 the candidates must comply the MSCA-DN eligibility criteria:

• Not having resided or carried out her/his main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the recruitment country for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the expected recruitment date.
• Not being in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
• To be in position to be enrolled in a Spanish PhD programme at the date of recruitment.

Qualification system:

The requisites and merits will be evaluated with a maximum note of 100 points. Such maximal note will be obtained summing up the following points:

• Academic qualifications: 20%
• Previous research and academic experience in the field of the position: 5%
• Programming skills: 25%
• Language skills: 15%
• Selective tests and interview: 35% 

The deadline for registration to the offer ends on November 24th, 2025 at 12 noon.

When applying for this job offer, candidates will need to complete the following form, in addition to submitting their CV and/or cover letter.

The preselected candidates may be requested to send the documentation required in the "Requirements" and "Merits" sections, duly scanned, and may be called to go through selection tests (which might be of eliminatory nature) and / or personal interviews.

However, priority will be given to applications from personnel affiliated with the CIMNE consortium entities, the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), and the Government of Catalonia, provided they meet the requirements established in this call.

Commitment to inclusivity:

At CIMNE, we champion workplace equity, diversity, and inclusion. We're committed to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive, leveraging diverse talents and backgrounds. We welcome all applicants regardless of color, religion, gender, origin, abilities, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy or any other characteristic. Join us in building a community that values, celebrates, and respects every individual.

Quota Reservation:
In line with our commitment to inclusion, we reserve a percentage of our workforce for people with disabilities. We especially encourage these individuals to apply.

HR Excellence in Research:

CIMNE supports the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission, which promote a transparent, attractive, and open research labour market. In recognition of its commitment to these values, CIMNE has obtained the HRS4R (Human Resources Strategy for Researchers) seal of excellence, awarded by the European Commission. This distinction certifies that the center applies human resources policies aligned with European quality standards.

CIMNE’s HRS4R strategy includes an action plan with concrete measures, both short- and long-term, to ensure a stimulating and high-quality work environment for all research staff. You can find more information here.