Research Associate

The Chair of statics and dynamics at the Faculty of Civil and environmental engineering is looking for a

**research associate (m,f,x) until 31.12.2025 (end of project funding phase), 39,83 hours per week, TVL E13**:
The research focus of the Institute for Structural Mechanics (Prof. Dr. Roger A. Sauer) is on the development of computational methods for the realistic analysis of materials, components and load-bearing systems. Current research topics include non-linear scale-bridging material models for conventional and fibre-reinforced concretes, numerical simulations in tunnel construction, computer aided design of biologic shell structures, optimization frameworks, computational intelligence and structural reliability.

The task comprises the scientific processing of a sub-project within the framework of the interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Centre CRC 1683 ‘Methods of interaction for the modular reuse of existing load-bearing structures’. The research objective is to develop concepts for determining and ensuring the reliability of structures made of reused concrete elements. The consistent integration of uncertainties at the concrete element level and at the structural level in combination with dedicated nonlinear computational models allows to realistically investigate the structural performance during the intended service life under consideration of degradation phenomena. Furthermore, suitable measurement strategies for the assessment of the element condition should be determined.

**extent**:

- full-time

**duration**:

- temporary

**beginning**:

- as soon as possible

24.03.2025

**Your tasks**:

- Processing and coordination of an interdisciplinary research project
- Further development of existing computational models and implementation in the in-house finite element code
- Integration of the measured component condition into the simulation environment & classification of the load-bearing capacity of reused reinforced-concrete components
- Analysis of the load-bearing behaviour over the target service life, taking into account pre-damage and degradation mechanisms for various scenarios
- Conduction of uncertainty quantifications for the reliability assessment of reused components and derivation of semi-probabilistic safety concepts
- Determination of an optimised measurement programme by reducing epistemic uncertainties in data acquisition
- Developing a surrogate model based on generated training data to describe the load bearing behaviour of a reused component considering its condition
- Preparation of scientific publications and reports

**Your profile**:

- A master’s degree in civil engineering or in compatible fields (e.g. mechanical engineering, computational engineering, computational mechanics) with above-average academic performance
- Affinity for mathematics, mechanics, the finite element method and programming
- Basic programming knowledge (e.g. in Python, Matlab or C++)
- Experience in carrying out non-linear structural analysis would be desirable
- Excellent command of English in speaking and writing are required
- German language skills desirable
- High level of commitment, motivation, independence and ability to work in a team

**Our offerings**:

- team-oriented collaboration in a committed, international and appreciative team
- fair and flexible working hours
- extensive training and development opportunities
- a wide range of sports with over 80 types of sport and a university gym
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary networking and participation in national and international conferences

**Additional information**:
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF).

Dr.Ing. Gerrit E. Neu, Phone: +49234 32 29069

Travel expenses for interviews cannot be refunded.