VAC-2025-80 - PhD Position in Data-Driven Multiscale Methods for the Thermomechanical Analysis of Granular Matter

Here you can find the hiring resolution related to this vacancy.

Number of places: 1

Category: PhD Student - PHD 1

Workplace: Barcelona, Campus Nord UPC

Salary (gross): 24.468,15€ [1]

Weekly working hours: 40hrs/week

Contract type: PhD

Duration: 4 years

Planned start date: January 1st, 2026 [2]

Functions to be developed:

A doctoral thesis in the framework of the research project entitled GRACY: A comprehensive computational paradigm for the thermo-mechanical analysis of granular media under thermal cyclic loading, with reference Project PID2024-158472NB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by FEDER, EU. Principal investigators: Prof. Alessandro Franci.

The candidate will develop and implement high-performing data-driven multi-scale methods for analysing the thermo-mechanical behaviour of granular matter. The methodology will combine discrete and continuous numerical approaches with advanced applications of machine learning. The accuracy of the coupled approach will be validated against a dedicated experimental campaign carried out within GRACY.

The research will result in a high-level PhD thesis within the Civil Engineering programme at UPC. By the end of the PhD, the candidate will have acquired a deep understanding of the physics and modelling of granular media, together with expertise in machine learning as well as proficiency in computational code programming.

Additional information about the project is available at: CIMNE RTD Project: GRACY

The candidate will join the research group of: Structural Mechanics.

This contract is financed by the announcement of Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2024 of the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y universidades: Proyectos de Generación de conocimiento 2024| Agencia Estatal de Investigación (www.aei.gob.es)

Qualification system:

The evaluation process must comply with the following criteria and sub-criteria:

1. Criterion Academic and/or scientific-technical track record of the candidate (up to 50 points).
   • Scientific-technical contributions (up to 45 points). The candidate’s academic record and other curricular merits will be assessed, as well as their relevance to the tasks to be carried out, considering the candidate’s training and professional experience.
   • Mobility and internationalization (up to 5 points). The relevance and impact on the candidate’s research career of stays in national and international centers and/or in the industrial sector will be assessed, taking into account the prestige of the host institution and the activities carried out there.

2. Criterion 2. Suitability of the candidate for the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points). The candidate’s suitability for the program, project, or research activities to be carried out will be assessed based on their prior training and experience. Consideration will be given to the added value that undertaking the project will represent for the candidate’s research career, as well as the value contributed to the host center and team.

The deadline for registration to the offer ends on December 9th, 2025 at 12 noon.

*It is mandatory to provide the CV in the official form of the Spanish Ministry, which can be downloaded here.

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 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.

Reference to the research project funded by

[1] The annual salary will be 24,468.15€ for each of the four years.

[2] This date is subject to the adjustment of the final concession resolution.