Permanent full-time academic position

A full-time academic position in the field of "Smart monitoring of infrastructures" is available in the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Starting date: 01/09/2023

JOB DESCRIPTION

A full-time, indivisible position, in the field of Smart monitoring of infrastructures within the Department of Architecture, Geology, Environment and Construction (ArGEnCo). This position includes teaching and research activities as well as services to the community.

TEACHING ACTIVITIES

As an example, the skills of the future teacher (M/F/X) could naturally and usefully be expressed in the following courses:

• GCIV0646 – Conception et exécution des bâtiments
• GCIV0642 – Conception et exécution des ponts
• GCIV0133 - Maintenance, repair and reinforcement of constructions
• GCIV2171 – Nonlinear finite elements
• GCIV2182 – Offshore wind structures
• GCIV2050 – Seismic Engineering
• UEEN0004 – Urban planning and transportation
• GCIVxxxx – Structural health monitoring for off-shore structures (course to be created)

Candidates may also propose to develop specific teaching(s) exploiting synergies with his/her specific research.

He/She will also participate in the supervision of internships and graduate work in his/her field of research.

The teaching load may not exceed 250 hours per year (including practical work and seminars).

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

The successful candidate (M/F/X) will develop research in the field of "Smart monitoring of infrastructures" and supervise doctoral research work in this field.

• Aging of existing built environment has major socio-economical impacts related to the important expected costs associated with its maintenance and the consequences of dramatic events such as the loss or collapse of key (infra)structures. New technologies such as optic fiber sensing, digital image correlation, wireless sensor networks, low-cost accelerometry and crack propagation tracking techniques can be used together with big-data analysis algorithms to detect abnormal changes in operating conditions of (infra)structures and more importantly to provide a detailed feedback information to designers in civil engineering, e.g. with applications in (but not limited to) large state-of-the-art structures such as bridges, high-rise buildings, dams, off- and on shore structures, retaining walls, ...etc.
• Unlike unsupervised data learning, the development, update, and reformulation of prior theoretical/numerical structural models, with available measured data, is preferred. The latter is expected to provide a key added value to civil engineering design and practice on the long term. Predictions can then be realized based on adjusted structural models and therefore support new retrofitting strategies.
• This research area presents excellent opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaborations. Specifically, the Lab for Mechanics of Materials and Structures and the Lab for Construction Materials have participated in research about connected topics over the last few decades. Furthermore, academic collaborations in the Department/Research Unit can be sought with Research performed in steel, composite, concrete structures, structural dynamics, building information modelling or structural retrofitting.
• At Faculty level, collaborations are foreseen with the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department and the Department of Electricity, Electronics and Informatics for monitoring of structures, innovative sensors and data-driven algorithms.

SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY

Candidate will participate in service activities to ensure the outreach of the activities developed within the ArGEnCo department. He/She will:

• Ensure the valorization of his/her work within research networks, companies and public institutions active in his/her field of expertise,
• Contribute to the smooth running of the Department, the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the University of Liège through its various bodies.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Hold a PhD with thesis in a field directly related to the expected research activities;
• Have international research experience and publications in established journals;
• Be able to teach in English.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be pre-selected on the basis of the candidate's file by a selection committee created by the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Successful candidates will then be invited to an audition that will include a sample lesson, a presentation of their research project and a general discussion with the selection committee.

ULiège's institutional policy is based on diversity and equal opportunity. We select candidates on the basis of their qualities, regardless of their age, sexual orientation, origin, beliefs, disability or nationality.

APPLICATION

Applications should be made using an on-line form available at this page, specifying the job reference number no later than 15/02/2023 (before midnight Belgian time). Late applications may be refused.

Documents required

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• A copy of diplomas and certificates
• A list of the 5 main publications and a description of their contribution to the state of the art ;
• A report on previous and current research activities, as well as a research project, including the envisaged insertion within the University of Liege;
• A teaching dossier including a report on any previous teaching activities and a teaching project;

Documents may be provided in English or French and must be submitted in electronic format (pdf).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The position is awarded either for a fixed term of four years, or immediately on a permanent basis.

If a fixed term contract is awarded, an evaluation will be carried out at the end of the third year.

• If the evaluation is negative, the person’s appointment will end after the fourth year.
• If the evaluation is positive, the person will be appointed permanently.

INFORMATION

Any information concerning academic activities can be obtained from the Professor Vincent DENOEL – Phone : +32 (0)4 366 29 30 – V.Denoel@uliege.be

Further information can be obtained from Mrs Aurélie LECCA – Phone  : +32 (0)4 366 94 68 – Aurelie.Lecca@uliege.be

REMUNERATION

Salary scales and how they are applied are available from the Human Resources department of the University: Ms Ludivine Depas – tel.: +32 4 366 52 04 – Ludivine.Depas@uliege.be