Leuven, Belgium
Function description:
We are seeking individuals to join our Research and Development activities in the fields of vehicle vibro-acoustics and aero-acoustics. Several research positions are available to young researchers in the framework of the European Marie Curie Early Stage Training (EST) project “SIMVIA2” (SImulation Methods in Vehicle VIbro-Acoustics
www.simvia2.eu ), focused on the development of innovative sound prediction techniques for vehicle applications. Vehicle vibro-acoustics comprises the analyses of structural vibrations as well as sound propagation in structures and fluids. Aero-acoustics concerns the noise generated by the fluid motion, and its interaction with flow through convection and refraction effects. Phenomena comprising generation, transfer, radiation and perception of noise are included. Vehicles of different type are addressed by the research programme, e.g. road, rail, airplanes, etc. The noise generated by these vehicles is an important environmental and societal issue, called to grow in the future as traffic and population densities increase.
The candidate will perform most of her/his research activities in the Acoustics group of the Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) division in LMS International, Leuven (Belgium), and will be called to move across the SIMVIA2 network to fulfil her/his training and research activities. The LMS Acoustics group is active in R&D related to vibration- and flow-generated sound, developing innovative technologies in close relationship with numerous world-leading academic institutions and research centres. LMS International has grown from its roots as a consulting spin-off of the University of Leuven to become the fastest-growing provider virtual prototyping software and testing systems for the automotive, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing industries. LMS helps companies in the automotive industries (BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Honda, General Motors, Renault, Toyota, …), air transportation industries (Airbus, Boeing, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, …) and manufacturing industries. LMS employs about 700 people worldwide (350 at the HQ and R&D centre in Leuven), with a turnover exceeding 100 ME/year. The candidate will also benefit in his/her research activities from the network organised by SIMVIA2, gathering prestigious universities across Europe.
The proposed research activities are focused on the development of predictive techniques for flow-generated sound in three high-end fields: ducted fan noise, broadband noise generation in free and confined flows, and vibro-acoustic noise transmission due to hydrodynamic loading of greenhouse surfaces (windshield, side windows and other cabin surfaces). Another innovative aspect is the extension of the existing and newly developed tools towards the mid- and high-frequency ranges, which is required to meet current industrial needs. The new predictive techniques will be validated through experimental campaigns, carried out on idealised cases in a first stage, and real-life industrial applications in a second step.
These multidisciplinary topics are of high technological and economical relevance, promising interesting career prospects in Research and Development. The candidates are encouraged to carry on their research for the fulfilment of a PhD degree, the present network offering the possibility to obtain a European PhD doctorate. Besides, the practical experience earned at LMS in a real working environment will be extremely valuable for the young researcher in the course of her/his career.
Eligibility: The SIMVIA2 project is in the framework of the European Commission FP6 programme, which means that a number of eligibility criteria must be strictly fulfilled. This implies that:
- The researcher must have less than 4 years of research experience after obtaining a degree giving access to doctoral studies, and must not have obtained a doctoral degree
- The researcher must be a national of a member state of the European Community, a candidate country for membership of the European Community, an associated state, or a third country
- The researcher shall not be a Belgian national
- At the time of appointment, the researcher may not have resided or carried out her/his main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to her/his appointment
- Women are especially encouraged to apply
Besides, LMS and its SIMVIA2 partners adhere to the European Charter for Researchers (
http://europa.eu.int/eracareers/europeancharter), and the recruitment procedure does strictly comply with the ethical standards described in the Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers. LMS and its SIMVIA 2 partners shall not discriminate against researchers in any way on the basis of gender, age, ethnic, national or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language, disability, political opinion, social or economic condition. Career breaks and non-chronological CVs will not be penalised, the applicants are rather invited to submit evidence-based CVs, representing relevant arrays of achievements with regard to the present open positions. Flexible hours and part-time home working will be made available whenever possible, specifically offered to researchers having a family charge.
Desired background:
- Educational Level:
Engineering Degree (M.Sc. in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, Civil, Aerospace, Physics Engineering, or equivalent). - Experience:
Not required, a practical experience with CFD solvers is valued. - Specific technical competencies:
- Windows (2000, XP) and Unix development environments;
- Good English redaction skills for scientific reporting;
- Knowledge of FE and/or CFD solvers is an asset;
- Knowledge in fluid dynamics, acoustics or aero-acoustics is a strong advantage;
- Programming skills are a significant advantage;
- Knowledge in numerical acoustics is a definitive advantage.
- Specific personal competencies:
Scientifically rigorous, Teaming, Initiative taking, Effective communication, Autonomy, Results orientation, Loyalty. - Languages:
Speaking, writing and reading knowledge of English.
Conditions:
Besides this highly attractive salary, we offer an internationally oriented and innovative high-tech environment. LMS is a fast growing, yet financially healthy company with a flat structure and an informal, flexible atmosphere. LMS is driven by innovation, and therefore fosters the creativity of its employees. LMS provides continuous training and competence development, stimulating personal development with respect to technical and/or management skills. People working within the company get a lot of room for initiative and career development.
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