Researcher (M/F) in High-Speed Nanoindentation for the Characterization of Materials with Gradient Properties

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut Clément Ader Research Field Engineering Physics » Acoustics Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 21 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 15 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

To meet the growing demands of engine and aircraft manufacturers, new materials must be developed in increasingly shorter time frames. This acceleration requires the use of new numerical methods that enable the complete design of an alloy through simulation. However, while the very early stages of development can be replaced by numerical models, the experimental characterization of prototypes remains essential. This characterization must therefore also be optimized to shorten time-to-market. One strategy employed to achieve this is the use of high-throughput characterization methods: a single measurement must therefore be performed within a limited time frame and, ideally, allow for the determination of several key properties. In this context, nanoindentation testing is a very strong candidate. The latest generations of equipment allow for the mapping of several thousand indents within a few hours, while providing access to several properties such as hardness or the modulus of elasticity.

At the same time, new techniques for developing experimental materials aim to incorporate multiple materials or microstructures into a single product, enabling the creation of gradient materials. Nanoindentation testing, due to its localized and rapid nature, is among the most promising methods for characterizing such products. This work therefore fits into this context and has several objectives. First, the goal is to develop a characterization protocol for gradient materials at both room temperature and high temperatures, and to evaluate its feasibility based on the microstructure. Subsequently, new post-processing methods will need to be developed to model various macroscopic properties—particularly in fracture mechanics (resilience, toughness, etc.)—based on the data acquired during the test.

The postdoctoral research will focus in particular on:

• The preparation of nickel-based superalloy samples exhibiting a gradient of properties;
• Micromechanical characterization of graded materials at room and high temperatures using rapid nanoindentation;
• Development of new post-processing methods to enable the modeling of various macroscopic properties—particularly in fracture mechanics (resilience, toughness, etc.)—based on data acquired during testing.

This is a fully funded, fixed-term research position for a duration of 12 months, as part of a collaboration with Aubert et Duval beginning in November 2026. The researcher will be primarily based at the ICA in Toulouse, while making several visits to Aubert et Duval (Ancizes). The researcher will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and computing resources. He or she will be offered the opportunity to participate in international conferences, workshops, and training sessions.

• Ph.D. in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related field
• Knowledge of crystalline defects (grain boundaries, dislocations, slip bands, precipitates, etc.)
• Experience with materials characterization techniques
• Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar)
• A good understanding of machine learning approaches would be an asset
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team