Postdoctoral Associate in the Development of Multiscale Quasicontinuum Methods
Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Job Req. 156489
University of Minnesota

We are seeking outstanding postdocs to work at the University of Minnesota with a team led by Ryan Elliott, Richard James, Mitchell Luskin and Ellad Tadmor on the development of state-of-the-art multiscale methods based on objective structure (R.D. James, "Objective Structures", Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 54, 2354--2390, 2006) and quasicontinuum (QC) techniques (http://www.qcmethod.com/). Objective structures (OS's) are a generalization of the crystal structure concept to include many of the most important inorganic and organic nanostructures such as nanobeams, nanotubes and nanospheres as well as many proteins, viruses, and cellular structures such as lipid bilayers. Thus, OS's provide, for the first time, a unified framework for studying materials at different scales. The QC method is a multiscale technique based on the idea of representative atoms and finite element interpolation, which greatly reduces the number of required degrees of freedom in an atomistic problem without significant loss of accuracy. The method offers a seamless transition from fully atomistic regions to coarsened continuum regions by changing the density of atoms visited in the calculation, i.e., the representative atoms. One objective of the current research project is the development of an "Objective QC" framework to study arbitrary objective structures. Objective QC will enable the prediction of failure of real materials, a critical concern in design reliability. In addition, such simulations coupled with theoretical models can provide realistic constitutive relations for device-level simulations of sensors, actuators, and "smart-materials". There are opportunities for postdocs to work on the theoretical development and mathematical analysis of objective structures, the quasicontinuum method, algorithm and code development, and physics applications related to the design and characterization of new advanced materials. We welcome the application of candidates with expertise in any mathematical, scientific, or engineering discipline who have obtained their Ph.D. and have a strong commitment to research on multiscale methods for the design of novel materials. Familiarity with atomistic-based multiscale techniques is an advantage, but not a prerequisite for application. The positions are available immediately. Applications will be considered until the positions are filled.

Interested individuals should go to https://employment.umn.edu/ and search for job no. 156489, indicating also the position title given above.

The University of Minnesota is an EOE/AA employer and educator.

Posting Date 4/23/07