Jump to Content

Two Funded Postdoctoral Positions in DigiBrain

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for two full-time, fixed-term, 18-month and 12-month contract Postdoctoral researcher position in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, College of Science and Engineering at University of Galway. These positions are funded by the EU Commission Recovery and Resilience Facility under the Science Foundation Ireland Future Digital Challenge and are available from March 2023. The postdoctoral fellows will be working with Dr Bharat B Tripathi (University of Galway), Professor Michel Destrade (University of Galway), Professor Michael Gilchrist (University College Dublin), and Dr David MacManus (University College Dublin).

Keywords: Machine learning, Physics Informed Neural Networks, Finite Element Modelling, Traumatic Brain Injury, Nonlinear Elasticity, Viscoelasticity.

Project Description:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a silent epidemic and is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Still, the primary biomechanics of common direct impact injuries is unclear. TBIs are mostly characterized using head motion data and are further complemented with sophisticated finite element computer simulations of brain deformation caused by the corresponding head motion.

Physics Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) have shown promising results in computational modelling of partial differential equations and are at early stages of development. The aim of this project is to develop a PINNs-based model to predict brain deformation using the head kinematics, or a Digital Twin of the existing mechanical model used to the predict the brain deformation, using the University College Dublin Brain Trauma Model (UCDBTM).

This research will be conducted using equipment, technical expertise, office, and research space within the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, at University of Galway, in collaboration with the School of Engineering, the School of Physics, and ICHEC, the Irish Centre for High-End Computing and University College Dublin.

Duties and Responsibilities: A successful candidate will be expected to:

Develop the optimal PINN architecture based on the underlying fundamental governing equations;

Perform finite element simulations using the UCDBTM to validate the machine learning model;
Publish research results in reputed international scientific journals;
Actively participate in international conferences and meetings;
Communicate and promote the main results in lay terms through press releases and outreach activities;
Carry out any administrative work associated with the program of research;

Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the research group;
Contribute to the school’s teaching, supervising, and tutoring where appropriate, provided it does not adversely impact the primary research role;
Engage in professional development opportunities to develop transferable skills, career, and reputation.

Qualifications:

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: Candidates must

Hold a doctoral degree in a relevant discipline (Solid Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or closely related field);
Have a proven publication record in the relevant field (like computational physics/wave phenomena/hyperelasticity, etc.);
Demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills and attention to detail;
Have proven independent initiative and ability to work in a collaborative environment;

Be highly motivated and passionate about advancing the field of PINNs and traumatic brain injury research;
Be proficient in Python and Finite Element analysis using Abaqus.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA: Ideally, successful candidates will have experience in at least one of the following topics:

Machine learning or Deep Learning using Tensorflow;

Wave propagation in soft solids;
Experiments (rheometry, imaging, etc.)

Employment permit restrictions apply for this post

Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher Point 2 €41,785 per annum pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).

Start date: The positions are available immediately.

Continuing Professional Development/Training:

The University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia.  Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment – see www.universityofgalway.ie/rdc for further information.

Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on Research at University of Galway

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

For further informal enquiries please do not hesitate to email the Principal Investigator Dr Bharat B Tripathi (bharat.tripathi@universityofgalway.ie). Please use the subject “Postdoctoral application University of Galway 001-23”.

To Apply:

Applications, to include a