Post-Doc researcher for thermal and optical in-silico study of sustainable coating and decoating met

FACULTY, SERVICE, INSTITUT, PLATFORM  : Sciences (LARN)

STAFF CATEGORY: Scientific staff

RESEARCH FIELD(S) : Physics ; Material sciences

POSITION : PostDoc Positions

FUNDING: BELGIUM FUNDS

TYPE OF CONTRACT :TEMPORY: 2 Years

JOB STATUS : Full-time                 

NUMBER OF POSITION AVAILABLE : 1

OFFER STARTING DATE : 01/05/2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE : 30/04/2026 (Time : 23:59:59  Timezone : Belgium )

Background

The position is a part of the ECODECO project, funded by FTJ (Fond de la Transition Juste), with different academic partners from Walloon Region (UNAMUR, UCL, CRM, Cenaero, UMONS, Materia Nova, Multitel and CTP) and an industrial steering committee. Modifying the surface of an object can significantly increase its lifespan or performance, and this methodology is used in many fields such as cutting tools, polymer metallization, the medical sector, or optics. However, adding such a material to a surface, even if the thickness remains small (1nm – 10 μm), hinders the recyclability of the object due to the difference in materials. For better recycling, it is therefore necessary to remove the coating. In certain sectors, such as high-value-added machining tools, the object can even be decoated, re-prepared, and recoated (recharged) multiple times during its lifecycle. Decoating is usually done by methods based on pyrometallurgy, a very energy-intensive method that separates materials thermally, or chemically, using baths with high concentrations of alkaline products and surfactants, which have a significant environmental impact.

The ECODECO project portfolio is dedicated to implementing eco-friendly solutions based on XR or laser to enable the decoating of objects at the end of their life. The portfolio includes the production of standard samples, the study of their aging, and the implementation of decoating solutions, both through an experimental approach and using digital tools.

Description of the position

The position is a full time (possibly 90% or 80% part time) position for 2 years at the University of Namur. The post-doc researcher will focus on development and simulation of thin coating deposition, aging and decoating processes. The researcher will work in close collaboration with another postdoctoral researcher (working on the experimental aspects), external academic partners, and the developing team from ICS (Innovative Coating Solutions, a spin-off of LARN laboratory) which is in charge of the development of “Virtual Coater”, the main software used in this project.

More specifically, the tasks of the project are the following:

• Development of a thermal-stress analysis tool adapted to microscopic scale structures (low-pressure coatings).
• Simulation of aging phenomena due to high temperature.
• Adaptation of the thermal-stress analysis tool to optical models (transfer-matrix, RCWA or FDTD) to predict XR or LASER beam absorption effect on the coating.
• Use the developed tools to support the design of interface layers and to predict decoating phenomena.

REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL: PhD degree or equivalent

RESEARCH FIELD(S): Physics

REQUIRED RESEARCH EXPERIENCE : Physics ; Computer science

YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE : None

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS :

A successful candidate must have

• A PhD degree in Physics or Material science,
• Experience in software development (skill in c++ required)
• Experience in multiscale multi-physics simulations. Knowledge in finite element is a plus.

In addition, the candidate will have the following skills:

• Work in team
• Proficient in English
• French is a plus

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  BENEFITS : Working at UNamur means benefiting from

• a welcoming working environment that cares about your well-being and its environmental footprint. For more information: https://unamur.be/en/node/49698
•  a range of benefits. For more information: https://www.unamur.be/en/university/work/wage-scales-benefits

SELECTION PROCESS

Content of the application : Send a CV and motivation letter

Applications must be sent by e-mail no later than : 30/04/2026

Recruitment policy / Politique de recrutement : The human resources management policy of the University of Namur is based on respect for equal rights and equal treatment for all. This diversity is articulated around different axes, including gender, disability, origin, beliefs, age, sexual orientation, etc. The University of Namur is also a signatory of the charter of diversity. UNamur is also committed to adhering to the 40 principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the European Union Code for the Recruitment of Researchers in its human resources management (OTM-R policy).

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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS :

Contact data :

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