VAC-2026-04 – Reduced Order Models for Coupled Problems (COMBINE Project - DC7)

Number of places: 1

Category: Predoctoral Researcher (Doctoral Candidate – MSCA DN)

Workplace: International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE), Barcelona, Spain

Salary (annual gross): 38.000 – 40.000 € + family allowance (if applicable, in accordance with the MSCA-DN funding call)

Weekly working hours: 40 hours

Contract type: Full-time

Duration: 36 months

Functions to be developed:

The selected candidate will carry out doctoral research within the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network COMBINE (GA num. 101227547), focusing on the development of Reduced Order Models (ROMs) for coupled multiphysics problems, with particular emphasis on Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI). Link to the general EURAXESS job advertisement here.

Main tasks include:

• Development of ROMs for coupled problems.
• Design of sparse ROMs for structural systems.
• Integration of Machine Learning techniques in ROM construction.
• Exploration of nonlinear compression techniques (e.g. autoencoder-based methods).
• Validation of the proposed methods against full-order numerical simulations.
• Dissemination of results through scientific publications and conferences.
• Multi-sectoral research and multi-national collaboration with fellows in the network
• Secondments at academic and industrial network partners

The candidate will be enrolled in a PhD programme and will carry out the research under joint academic supervision.

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: 30%
• Training and development: 15%
• Professional experience: 15%
• Knowledge of the Catalan language: 5%
• Knowledge of the English language: 10%
• Selective tests and interview: 25%

The deadline for registration to the offer ends on February 27, 2026 at 12 noon.

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 inclusitvity:

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 labor 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.