PhD Position SHM in the MSCA Doctoral Network ASSESS - at Politecnico di Torino, Italy

PhD Vacancy for a Doctoral Candidate (DC6) in Advanced numerical simulations for SHM of smart FRP composites in the MSCA Doctoral Network ASSESS - at Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Job description
This position involves research into advanced numerical modeling techniques for the mechanical analysis of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite laminates and smart structures. The successful candidate will focus on developing and implementing efficient multi-scale numerical simulations based on the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) within the finite element method (FEM). These simulations aim to analyze the interaction between surface-mounted and embedded piezoelectric (PZT) actuators and sensors with FRP structures.

The research will include the development of innovative coupled numerical techniques to model guided wave (GW) propagation and structural vibrations in both pristine and damaged configurations of sandwich panels and wind turbine blades. CUF-based FEM models, enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI), will be applied to investigate damage and failure mechanisms in honeycomb structures. This work will contribute to establishing methodologies for accurate Remaining Useful Life (RUL) estimation and defect prognosis in composite structures.

The project’s expected results include advanced models for the mechanical behavior of sandwich panels and wind turbine blades, effective coupled solutions for integrating PZT sensors into smart composite structures, efficient methodologies for characterizing vibration properties and GW propagation in FRP composites, and accurate modeling frameworks for failure analysis supporting RUL estimation.

This research will address both theoretical and practical challenges in structural analysis and health monitoring of advanced composite materials, contributing to the design and maintenance of more reliable and efficient structural systems. This PhD is part of the ASSESS project, you can read more about this here.

Research Fields:

Composites mechanics; numerical modelling; vibrations, failure mechanics; multi-scale analysis; multi-physics.

Secondments:

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

Siemens Industry Software NV, Leuven, Belgium

Ramboll Deutschland Gmbh, Hamburg, Germany

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research as outlined in the project’s objectives under the supervision of Professors Filippi (PoliTo), Pagani (Polito) and Chronopoulos (KU Leuven).
• Engage in secondments as part of the project’s training activities with KU Leuven, Siemens and Ramboll.
• Contribute to academic publications, project reports, and other dissemination activities.
• Participate in structured training programs and network-wide events organized by the consortium.
• Collaborate with international partners and other Doctoral Candidates within the network.

Principal Supervisor:

PoliTO: Prof. Matteo Filippi (supervisor), Prof. Alfonso Pagani (co-supervisor)

KU Leuven: Prof. Dimitrios Chronopoulos (co-supervisor)

Requirements
Eligibility Criteria

PoliTo criteria: M.Sc. degree (i.e. 2° level title, as defined by the Bologna Process), issued by an officially recognized academic institution, which grants admission in PhD programmes in the country of issuance.

In order to evaluate the University career, the candidate should provide:

• Bachelor's degree
• Official Transcript of Records
• Syllabus/Course description
• Master's degree OR official university document stating provisional date of graduation (if not graduated yet)
• Official Transcript of Records
• Syllabus/Course description

Please note:

• The documents shall be issued by the relevant university.
• Documents issued in Italian, English, French, Spanish are accepted. If the documents are written in other languages, please upload together both the original version AND the official translation in Italian or English and attach the merged document.
• Academic qualifications are accepted to take part in the selection process with the minimum average grade illustrated in Annex 3 of the Call for admission.
• The original diplomas and transcripts should be available by 31st October at the latest (or before enrollment to PoliTO).

One of the following certificates of English language knowledge, regardless of the date of obtainment:

• IELTS: minimum score 5.5;
• one of the language certificates accepted in substitution for IELTS 5.5 by Politecnico di Torino and listed in the table “Table of 23/09/2019 updated on 22/12/2022 (transitional period)” available here: be exempted from presenting an English language certificate in accordance with the terms of Annex 4 of the Call for Admission.

Annual fees

Around € 1.261,00/year for the entire duration of the PhD Program. PhD annual fees due by the MSCA action.

MSCA criteria:

• Not in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
• Recruited applicants can be of any nationality and must undertake trans-national mobility (i.e., move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. In particular, at the time of selection, the recruited applicant for this position must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

Required Skills:

• Good knowledge of computational mechanics;
• Proficiency with commercial software and tools for structural analyses;
• Coding skills (even preliminary) in Fortran, Matlab, Python;
• Academic writing
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Optional Skills:

• Knowledge of numerical and analytical models for wave propagation problems
• English Requirement: High level of proficiency in English (will be tested at interview).

Academic Host:
Mul2 Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Italy - The Politecnico di Torino, founded in 1906 from the roots of the Technical School for Engineers created in 1859, has a long-standing tradition of leadership of polytechnic culture. It is one of the most important universities in Europe for engineering and architecture studies. Currently it is among the top Engineering and Technology universities in the world, the 45th according to the QS University Rankings 2023 by broad Subject, the 28th in Architecture and Built Environment, 33rd for Civil and Structural Engineering and 26th in Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing by Subject.

The Mul2 Lab at Politecnico di Torino is a recognized leader in multi-physics simulations and the development of advanced models for aerospace structures and materials. The lab comprises five faculty members, more than 20 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and maintains numerous collaborations with prominent aerospace research institutions and industry.

Link to host: https://www.polito.it/ & http://www.mul2.polito.it/

Conditions of employment
Salary:

The successful candidate will receive a competitive and attractive academic remuneration package in accordance with MSCA regulations for doctoral candidates. The researcher will be employed under a contract that includes social security coverage and pension rights.

The financial package includes the following*:

• Monthly living allowance: €3,400/month, adjusted by applying the country correction coefficient for the country of recruitment (Italy). The coefficients are outlined in Table 1 of MSCA Work Programme 2023-24 version adopted on 6 December 2022 (European Commission Decision C(2022) 7550 (https://adaptmet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FINAL-PUBLISHED_6Dec2022_-wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf)
• Monthly mobility allowance: €600/month.
• Monthly family allowance (if applicable, depending on family situation): €660/month.
• The living allowance above represents the total EU contribution to the researcher’s salary costs. The estimated gross salary is approximately €39.739,20 per 12 months (only considering the living allowance), inclusive of both employee and employer tax contributions. The net salary will be calculated by deducting these contributions and any other applicable national taxes (e.g., income tax) from the gross amount.

Other Benefits:

The doctoral candidate will also benefit from comprehensive training within the ASSESS network, including participation in at least six specialized Training Events organized by the MSCA-ASSESS network. Additional opportunities include secondments to partner laboratories, a range of advanced training courses (including transferable skills development), and active engagement in workshops and international conferences, providing a well-rounded and enriching research experience. Expected Start Date: Q2 2025

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof. Matteo Filippi, via matteo.filippi@polito.it.

Project Description:

The Horizon Europe MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE ACTION Doctoral Network (DN) ASSESS (Automated online monitoring of Smart compoSitE StructureS - Grant Agreement Number 101168031) offers 12 exciting PhD positions to develop next-generation smart composites for strategic European industries such as aviation, space, and wind energy.

Composite materials with embedded sensors and nanomaterials hold the potential for real-time structural health monitoring. However, industrial adoption is hindered by challenges in sensor integration, automated data analysis, standardization, and operator training. ASSESS bridges the gap between research and industry by advancing the design, manufacturing, and testing of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites.

As part of a multidisciplinary consortium of 9 beneficiaries and 13 Associated Partners, you will engage in pioneering research on:

• Smart composites and cutting-edge sensing technologies
• Advanced simulations and AI-driven data analysis
• Digital twins and Industry 4.0 innovations

Through collaborative projects, international secondments, and specialized training, you'll contribute to safer, lighter, and more efficient composite components, reducing CO₂ emissions, enhancing wind energy production, and supporting Europe's green transition.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 28 February 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Detailed CV, including information on the candidate’s proficiency in English
• Motivational letter (1 page), describing why the position fits the applicant
• Contact information of 2 references
• Copy of Master’s degree diploma
• Copies of any other relevant certifications listed within CV

Selection Criteria: Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic background, research experience, and alignment with the project’s objectives. The selection process will be open, transparent, merit-based, impartial, and equitable.

Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a structured interview with predefined questions and a scoring system.

Note: Candidates selected for the Interview will need to upload the missing documentation (see Eligibility Criteria) on Polito website, Apply@polito

You can address your application to Prof. Matteo Filippi.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5