PhD Researcher - MSCA Doctoral Network - LEGEND -DC12

AIMEN Centro Tecnológico selecciona

PhD Researcher - MSCA Doctoral Network

[Ref.: 01 08/26]

AIMEN es un Centro de Innovación y Tecnología multisectorial que desarrolla actividades de I+D+i que presta servicios tecnológicos a la industria en los ámbitos de materiales, procesos avanzados de fabricación, digitalización y sostenibilidad.

Con una trayectoria de más de 55 años, nuestra visión es consolidarnos como una organización excelente en innovación tecnológica al servicio de la industria, para contribuir a un futuro más sostenible. Contamos con un equipo de más de 300 profesionales cuya gran experiencia y motivación por lograr una sociedad mejor a través de la innovación lo convierten en nuestro principal activo.

Funciones:

Formando parte de la Unidad Advanced Composites Technologies, sus tareas serán:

• Desarrollo de la investigación doctoral a tiempo completo durante un periodo de contrato de tres años de duración determinada.

• Integración activa en un entorno de trabajo dinámico e inspirador dentro del centro tecnológico (AIMEN) y con los centros colaboradores.

• Cumplimiento de hitos académicos: Presentar y validar todas las certificaciones de grado y de idioma requeridas antes de la fecha oficial de contratación.

Titulación requerida:

• Título de Máster Universitario (mínimo 120 créditos ECTS) en Ingeniería Mecánica, Ingeniería Aeroespacial o disciplinas similares.

• Ausencia de título de doctorado: El candidato no debe estar en posesión de un título de doctor.

• Homologación internacional: En caso de títulos extranjeros, el candidato debe gestionar el reconocimiento del título por una institución de educación superior portuguesa antes de la firma del contrato.

Conocimientos específicos necesarios:

• Programación en Python o lenguajes similares: Capacidad para el desarrollo de scripts, automatización o procesamiento de datos de ingeniería.

• Experiencia o bases teóricas en caracterización y comportamiento mecánico de estructuras compuestas.

• Análisis de Ensayos No Destructivos (NDT): Conocimientos teóricos o prácticos en técnicas de inspección no destructiva.

• Conocimiento base de Software de simulación (ANSYS, Abaqus o similares)

• Carné de conducir y vehículo propio.

Conocimientos valorables:

• Análisis experimental y estadístico: Conocimientos mediante formación, cursos, experiencia previa o proyecto de tesis.

• Diseño Asistido por Ordenador (CAD): Manejo de software de modelado 3D (como CATIA, SolidWorks o NX) para el diseño de componentes o utillajes de ensayo.

Se ofrece:

• Formar parte de una organización sólida y de reconocido prestigio, con más de 290 profesionales especializados, en constante desarrollo e introducida en los principales sectores industriales (Automoción, Aeronáutico, Energía, Metalmecánico, Naval, o Medioambiente).

• Trabajar en un entorno colaborativo y multidisciplinar que te ayudará a desarrollar nuevos conocimientos y habilidades.

• Incorporación inmediata.

• Flexibilidad horaria.

• Plan de Formación en los ámbitos de especialización.

• Retribución según valía demostrada.

Contacto:

• Las personas interesadas deben cubrir el formulario y adjuntar su C.V. (CV_Apellido1_Apellido2_Nombre.pdf) a través de nuestra web: www.aimen.es

1. Introduction to LEGEND

We are pleased to announce the opening of 14 Doctoral Candidate (DC) positions within the LEGEND project (Leading-Edge evaluation and GENeration of Defect-tolerance in composite structures), funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme (Grant Agreement No. 101312790). LEGEND is an ambitious European training network designed to prepare a new generation of engineers to understand and deal with the Effects of Defects (EoDs) in composite structures, through targeted industry- driven improvements in inspection, characterisation, and modelling techniques. The overarching objective of LEGEND is to overcome the current limitations in characterising and predicting the EoDs in composite structures, which impact the costs and sustainability of material qualification, certification, and production practices, and could result in safety-critical oversight. LEGEND will create an interdisciplinary and inter-sectorial research and training environment where DCs will:

• Develop fast automated methods and tools for defect Identification, Classification, and Quantification;

• Develop improved characterisation methods for load regime-specific EoDs;

• Develop efficient numerical frameworks towards Qualification and Certification by Analysis, accounting for EoDs;

• Develop methods for the generation of new statistically based Defect Acceptance Criteria in industrial applications. The LEGEND consortium is composed of 8 beneficiaries and 7 associated partners across 6 countries, including 4 RTOs and 5 industrial partners at the forefront of European transportation sector. This strong industrial participation ensures that DCs gain direct exposure to real-world applications, thereby enhancing their future employability, while advancing the synergy between academic and non-academic sectors in providing innovative engineering solutions. For general inquiries, please contact the LEGEND Project Management Team at [email protected] For questions related to a specific DC position, e-mail the corresponding Main Supervisor contact. Incomplete and late submissions will not be considered.

2. DC 12 Project Description

Project Title: Fast structural integrity analysis of ultrasonically welded thermoplastic composites. Objectives: To develop a fast and robust framework for combined defect ICQ and structural integrity evaluation in advanced thermoplastic composites ultrasonically welded joints, using in situ Vibro- Thermography analyses (VTA) - a SoA LR NDI technique combining mechanical vibrations with infrared thermography to reveal hidden welding flaws - and a new ML model to translate the welding process parameters and VTA data directly into defect metrics that can be assessed for criticality, to assess any potential welding repair requirements. The following methodology is defined: i) Fabrication, VTA & XRM NDI, testing of representative lab-scale thermoplastic composite joints (e.g. SLS coupons representative of large-scale aerospace structural joints); ii) Initial ML tool development for defect ICQ and spatial mapping (develop & train a surrogate model on XRM-informed VTA data, for automated defect ICQ and mapping in welded joints); iii) Development & validation of a macro-scale digital shadowing tool for assessing defect criticality (using a SoA macro-scale modelling approach with cohesive surface representation of welded interfaces, implant the VTA-inspected disbond patterns. Validate this approach with experimental coupon data of step i), assessing defect severity and establishing novel single-defect DAC for welded joints); iv) Extend surrogate model to correlate between real-time VTA imaging and defect severity, using the numerical results, train the initial surrogate to statistically assess weld defect severity directly from VTA data. Expected Results: Data set on weld defect-dependent KDFs for QS SLS strength; A robust macro-scale digital shadowing tool to assess integrity of industrial-scale joints; A ML-based tool to complement VTA, capable of applying novel DAC during in situ inspection of welded joints. Secondments: The project will involve collaborations and secondments (in total 4 months during the first three years) at Universidade do Porto (Portugal) and CHALMERS TEKNISKA HOGSKOLA AB (Sweden). The DC will be expected to:

• Develop and implement a experimental and computational framework that links VTA analysis, traditional NDT testing and structural performance of advanced composite materials.

• Develop scientific concepts and communicate the results of research through written scientific publications and oral presentations at international conferences.

• Collaborate with fellow doctoral candidates within the LEGEND project, utilising synergies between projects.

• Actively participate in General Assembly meetings and doctoral training events within LEGEND, distributed across Europe.

• Collaborate within the laboratory community and develop experimental collaborative skills.

• Fulfil the requirements of the Doctoral Program in Mechanical Engineering to be awarded the doctoral degree: completion of 36 ECTS of mandatory (6 ECTS) and optional (30 ECTS) courses in the first year, completion of a 24 ECTS Seminar at the end of the first year, and completion of a Thesis (120 ECTS) at the end of the third year (FEUP - Doctoral Program in Mechanical Engineering). Hiring Beneficiary: AIMEN We foster an inclusive, friendly, and helpful work environment to which we welcome you to contribute. Our activities integrate advanced materials technology, combining multidisciplinary expertise to predict, understand, and elevate the performance of engineering materials and structures. Main Supervisor: Dr. Massimiliano Russello Co-Supervisor: Dr. Elena Rodríguez-Senín

3. Who can apply?

Applicants will be required to meet the general eligibility criteria of MSCA Early‐Stage Researchers. MSCA Criteria for all DCs

• Applicants must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.

• They must not have resided, worked, or studied in the country of the recruiting Beneficiary institute for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention [3] are not taken into account. For international European research organisations [4], international organisations, or entities created under Union law, recruited researchers must not have spent more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment in the same appointing organisation. The recruitment date is the first day of the employment of the researcher for the purposes of the action (i.e. the starting date indicated in the employment contract or equivalent direct contract). Specific DC 12 Criteria

• The applicant must have been awarded, by the recruitment date, a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar, and be holders of a scientific and professional curriculum vitae that reveals a profile appropriate to the activities to be developed. For candidates who have not yet obtained their degree and/or language certification, they may participate in the selection process and can be chosen by the Evaluation Committee as the preferred candidate, on the condition they present all the necessary certificates by the recruitment date.

• Any master awarded by a foreign higher education institution must be recognized by a Portuguese higher education institution in accordance with article 25 of the Decree-Law no. 66/2018, of August 16, which approves the legal regime for the recognition of academic degrees and diplomas of Higher Education, awarded by foreign higher education institutions and paragraph e) of no. 2 of article 4 of Decree-Law no. 60/2018, of August 3, and any formalities established therein must be complied with by the date of the hiring act.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Specific experience being prioritised for DC12:

• Documented knowledge (education/courses/experiences or thesis project) in experimental analysis, programming, knowledge in NDT analysis.

4. Work Conditions

Contract Terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.

• The position is a fixed-term contract appointment of three years.

• To sign the contract, the chosen candidate must fulfil the MSCA DN eligibility criteria.

• The MSCA DN programme offers a highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions. The chosen candidate will receive a salary in accordance with the MSCA regulations. The MSCA DN grant offers a monthly Living Allowance (€3833.56, as adapted toSpain), Mobility Allowance (€710), and Family Allowance (€495, if applicable). The salary is subject to national taxation and social security contributions. What we offer AIMEN is a multi-sector Innovation and Technology Centre that carries out R&D&I activities and provides technological services to industry in the fields of materials, advanced manufacturing processes, digitalisation and sustainability. With a history spanning more than 55 years, our vision is to establish ourselves as an organisation of excellence in technological innovation serving industry, in order to contribute to a more sustainable future. We have a team of more than 330 professionals whose extensive experience and motivation to create a better society through innovation make them our greatest asset. As a Doctoral student at AIMEN, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. A dynamic and inspiring working environment. Be part of a solid and prestigious organization with more than 330 specialized professionals, constantly evolving and active in key industrial sectors (Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, Metalworking, Shipbuilding, and Environment).

5. Recruitment Procedure

LEGEND's recruitment procedure is led by the hiring beneficiary of the specific DC and supervised by the project's Hiring Committee to ensure that all selections are open, transparent, merit-based, supportive of equal opportunities (i.e. unbiased by gender, nationality, etc.), internationally comparable, and consistent with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Applicants may apply for up to five (5) DC positions within LEGEND. They must follow the specific application procedure of each DC position, while ensuring they pass their respective eligibility criteria.

5.1 DC12 Specific Procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files in the portal, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

• Curriculum Vitae (Following the Europass template)

• Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) o A brief introduction about yourself. o A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

• Bachelor's and, if available, master's diplomas, transcripts, and thesis (if not subject to restrictions).

• Supporting documentation for merits listed in the CV (e.g. language certificates or others).

• Declaration of Honour for Mobility Rule (see Annex 1) A background check may be conducted as part of the application process. Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

5.2 Eligibility check

All applications will be checked according to the eligibility criteria listed in Section 3.

5.3 Selection procedure

The evaluation of the applications will be carried out by the DC's Evaluation Committee, composed of four members (2 internal to the hiring beneficiary and 2 from the LEGEND consortium). The selection methods are as follows: a) Evaluation of the curricular path and scientific career of the applicants (APCC) - (90%); b) Interview (ENT) - (10%).

5.3.1 - APCC (90%)

Evaluation of the curricular path and scientific career, considering a profile that is suited to the requirements of the duties corresponding to the category covered by this competition and focusing on the relevance, quality, and currentness of the following aspects:

• Scientific performance in the areas and subareas for which the competition is open.

• Knowledge transfer

• Science and technology management and communication. In the evaluation of the dimensions of the aspects described above, the following parameters are considered, and the following weighting factors are attributed:

• A1) Criteria for evaluating Scientific Performance (DC) (90%) o A1.1.) Participation in international research projects as well as scientific production, specifically, having international publications as first author in high-ranked peer reviewed journals. The list of publications must be included in the curriculum with a clear indication of the statistical analyses used, along with the candidate's role in implementing them. o A1.2.) Development of collaborations with international researchers and study periods abroad. o A1.3.) Duly certified teaching activates both in undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate courses, as well as in continuing education courses.

• A2) Criteria for Knowledge Transfer and Science and Technology Management and Communication (10%): o A2.1.) Ad-hoc reviewer; o A2.2.) Organization of scientific events; o A2.3.) Participation in national and international scientific meetings with peer review as well as by invitation. The final classification of the APCC is obtained by the following formula: APCC = (0,90 x A1) + (0,10 x A2).

5.3.2 - ENT (10%)

For the interview, the five (5) best-ranked applicants in the APCC evaluation, obtained by all elements of the Evaluation Committee, will be admitted. The committee will evaluate aspects related to the research conducted by the applicants. The interview will be conducted in English.

5.3.3 - Final classification

The Final Classification (CF) of the Evaluation of the applicants' Curricular Path and Scientific Career (APCC) and interview (ENT) will be obtained by applying the following formula: CF = (APCC*0.9) + (ENT*0.1). Candidates who do not achieve a minimum final score of 80 points from all members of the selection panel will be automatically excluded.

5.4 Evaluation of the selection methods

Each member of the Evaluation Committee evaluates the applicants' curricular path and scientific career on a scale from 0 to 100 points, with a weighting up to the hundredths, and the classification is obtained through the weighting defined in the criteria to be evaluated. The interview evaluation is expressed on a scale of 0 to 100 points, with a weighting to the hundredths.

5.5 Evaluation methodology

After the admission of the applicants, and before starting the voting for their final ranking in the evaluation of their scientific and curricular background, each member of the Evaluation Committee presents a written document, to be attached to the meeting minutes, with the list of the applicants in descending order of merit, duly substantiated, considering the criteria and parameters of this competition notice. The Evaluation Committee deliberates employing reasoned roll-call voting following the selection criteria adopted and disclosed. Abstentions are not allowed. If an absolute majority of votes is not reached after the voting explained in the previous number, or in case of a tie, the Chair's vote (Main Supervisor) will be used for the final ranking. The interview has a maximum duration of one hour and is exclusively aimed at clarifying aspects related to the research carried out by the applicants. The Evaluation Committee discussions will be briefed in minutes taken during its meetings, containing a summary of what occurred, as well as the votes cast by each member and respective reasoning. After concluding the application of the selection criteria, the jury proceeds to produce an ordered list of the approved applicants with the respective classification. The Evaluation Committee's final decision is approved by the head of the institution responsible for opening the application notice. The final decision on hiring is the responsibility of the top manager of the hiring institute.

6. Recruitment Timeline

Application Opening Date: 15/07/2026 Application Closing Date: 21/09/2026 (23h 59m local time) Interview: shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews in September 2026, with atleast 10 days' notice. Publication of Final Classification: October 2026 Target DC Start Date: November 2026 Following the selection of the candidate, the hiring process will commence in accordance with the institution's internal recruitment procedures (may involve additional steps to assess and verify the candidate's final compatibility with institutional requirements). In the event that the DC position remains vacant, an additional recruitment call will be launched immediately st after the publication of the 1 Final Classification. The exact dates may be subject to minor adjustments for operational reasons. All applicants will be informed accordingly through the official recruitment channels.

7. Additional Information

Data Protection and Consent Notice By applying for this positions, applicants give their consent to circulate their application materials and personal data within authorized LEGEND consortium members involved in the recruitment process. All data provided by the applicants will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, EU 2016/679) and will be used solely for the purpose of selecting the doctoral candidates. For questions, please contact the Main Supervisor: Dr. Massimiliano Russello email: [email protected] We look forward to your application!