PhD/Postdoc Fire Dynamics Modelling using Machine Learning Methods at Bergische Universität Wuppertal

Application via: https://cce.uni-wuppertal.de/en/news/ansicht/offene-stelle-doktorand-postdoc-1/

PhD/Postdoc Fire Dynamics Modelling using Machine Learning Methods

The official announcement (german / english) is provided here: Recruitment System BUW. In the following, an unofficial summary of the english version of the Job-ID 22709 is given.

This position is to be filled as soon as possible for 3 years with 75 % (PhD) or 100% (Post Doc) of the tariff working hours (part-time is possible, please state when applying whether you would also be interested in a part-time job).

We are an interdisciplinary and international team at the University of Wuppertal (BUW) and are looking for support for our research work in the field of computer-aided modelling in civil engineering, especially fire dynamics. This position is intended to expand our methodological spectrum to include approaches from machine learning. Support us in developing more efficient and precise fire spread models!

In numerical fire simulations, design fires are often used to determine the dynamics of the fire. However, this cannot take into account local conditions such as ventilation, heat interaction or material properties during fire propagation. Only by using a complex pyrolysis model, the dynamics of fire spread can be simulated self-consistently. The challenge here is that many material parameters are required, most of which are not known or directly measurable. By means of small-scale experiments, such as a thermogravimetric analysis or a cone calorimeter, in conjunction with inverse modelling, these parameters can be calculated with the help of supercomputers.

Within the framework of the BMBF-funded BESKID project, BUW is investigating new approaches based on artificial intelligence. These will be used to determine material parameters directly from small-scale experiments. The new model will provide material parameters for simulations of fire propagation, which will be used by the project consortium for validation and application studies. The project is being carried out in collaboration with industrial partners, the Research Centre Jülich (FZJ) and the Chair Fire Dynamics at BUW. The method development is based on small-scale laboratory experiments conducted at the FZJ. Thus, a close scientific exchange between the BUW and the FZJ is aimed at. In cooperation with the industrial partners, the methods are used for testing and validation in real-scale experiments in the application case of rail transport vehicles and compared with classical approaches.

Professional and personal requirements:

  • Completed university studies (Master’s degree or comparable) in engineering, physics or a related field, desirably with a doctorate in the field of fire dynamics
  • Expertise in the conception and implementation of scientific simulation models, as well as in the field of machine learning
  • Experience in programming in Python or C++
  • Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary and international team
  • Strong interest in complex issues and basic research
  • Good social and communication skills
  • Very good knowledge of the English language

Responsibilities and duties:

  • Development and application of computer models in fire dynamics
  • Evaluation of experimental data for model validation
  • Cooperation in national and international collaborations
  • Participation in project meetings
  • Presentation of results at meetings and conferences
  • Preparation of interim and final reports

Our offer:

  • Further training in the acquisition, processing and management of research projects, integration into personnel management and university teaching
  • Embedding of research activities in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
  • Opportunities for flexible working hours, support with childcare and suitable solutions for your individual life situation

Applications including all relevant credentials (motivation letter, CV, proof of a successful graduation and/or PhD, job references, letters of reference, links to software projects, proof of a severe disability) should be addressed to Prof. Dr. Lukas Arnold and solely submitted via the online portal of the University of Wuppertal. Kindly note, that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application deadline: 08.01.2023

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship on Fire Safety at University of Central Lancashire

Link for application: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CVJ829/phd-via-mphil-studentship-in-engineering

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship within the School of Engineering, based at the Preston (UK) Campus. The studentship is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time (subject to satisfactory progress). The studentship will provide an annual stipend of £17,668 for 3.5 years. Both UK/Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but Tuition Fees will only be covered at the UK/Home rate for up to 3.5 years. EU/International Applicants would be expected to pay the difference between the UK/Home fee rate and EU/International fee rate. Other Allowances include up to £5,000 per annum bench fees.

It is expected the successful applicant will commence March 2023.

Project Title: Utilisation of digital tools to enhance fire safety of occupants in high-rise residential buildings (HRRBs) during evacuation

Project Description:

In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and given the increase of number of fire incidents in HRRBs around the world, e.g., Kaohsiung building in Taiwan (2021), Torre Dei Moro in Italy (2021), Madrid Tower Block in Spain (2020); fire safety of HRRBs is becoming increasingly important. Though there is an increased development of digital technologies, their application is not yet well established in fire research and evacuation. Proposed research aims to bridge this gap by providing a framework of good practices and recommendations to optimise efficiency of evacuation practices in HRRB using Building Information Modelling (BIM).

The key objectives of the proposed research will be to:

  1. Develop and validate numerical methodologies to assess effectiveness of evacuation strategies in HRRB
  2. Correlate factors influencing evacuation strategies in HRRB
  3. Develop good practices to drive forward improvements in HRRB fire safety

To achieve the above, numerous egress models, namely FDS+Evac, Pathfinder, Evacuationz and STEPS, will be used to assess their effectiveness, limitations, and practicalities. The PhD project will complement existing research conducted by the supervisory team e.g., ongoing SAFE (Strategies Aiming at Effective Fire Evacuation in HRRB) project funded by the Home Office. Experimental data from the physical testing of the SAFE project will be used to validate the developed numerical methodologies. The envisaged integration of evacuation modelling of HRRB in BIM will promote fire safety.

Further information

Informal project related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr. Eleni Asimakopoulou at [email protected]

For the application form and full details go to: www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships

Completed application forms should be returned to the Research Admissions email [email protected] quoting the studentship reference number DTC35

Proposed interview date: 16th January 2023

Current uclan research students will not be eligible to apply for this research studentship

Academic Position at Delft University of Technology on Fire safety of civil engineering materials and structures

See the weblink: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/about-tu-delft/working-at-tu-delft/campaigns/delft-technology-fellowship/ceg

Fire safety of civil engineering materials and structures

Securing structural safety is one of the main tasks of a structural engineer. Whereas aspects as structural performance as a consequence of e.g. increased static and dynamic loading, long-term ageing, moisture effects etc. over lifetime is well embedded in national and international research agenda’s and education of structural engineers, the aspect of fire safety receives less attention. This field tends to be scattered over several disciplines, sometimes lacking clear focus. Research performed on this topic is nearly always incident-driven, but almost never defined from a more fundamental and long-term perspective.

 New developments further motivate the application of engineering principles to fire safety problems:

  • New types of fire as a result of increased use of electrical vehicles, temporary storage of electricity, increased use of electricity in general, leading to types of fire which are different from the past (higher temperature loads and temperature gradients, alternative fire propagation scenario’s etc.);
  • The use of novel construction materials and structures integration of systems and structures etc. in relation to fire safety engineering;
  • Unexpected damage caused by unforeseen risks in case of fire (progressive collapse, e.g. TUD Architecture, WTC New York, Grenfell London).

The fellow will concentrate research activities on the relation of extreme fire loading scenario’s with deformation and failure behaviour on material, structural component, structural and system level. Fire safety should be seen as an important component of integral system safety of engineering assets.

This research will be embedded in the 3MD-department, given its strengths on civil engineering materials, mechanics and structural and integral design. The position also has clear links with other departments (e.g. GSE – tunnels, TP – traffic management, HE – hydraulic civil structures). Opportunities to connect to national (Federatie Veilig Nederland, Instituut Fysieke Veiligheid, CROW), and international professional organizations (e.g. Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Institution of Fire Engineers, Society of Fir e Safety) and international academia are numerous.

Two opening for PhD students at University of Maryland

Job Type: Graduate research assistant
Job Institution: Department of Fire Protection Engineering – University of Maryland, College Park

Job Description: 

Dr. Ni’s lab has two openings for Ph.D. students starting in Spring or Fall 2023. The ideal candidates should have M.S. degree in structural engineering or mechanical engineering. Prior research experiences in fire science, computer vision, and machine learning are preferred. The successful candidates will work closely with the PI on projects that meet the mutual interests of the PI and the students. Admitted applicants will receive full-tuition support, stipend, and benefits. Besides the above prerequisites, candidates shall meet all admission requirements of the University of Maryland, College Park.

Interested students should contact Dr. Shuna Ni at [email protected] with “Ni Lab graduate school application” in the subject line. Please include a CV, transcripts (both undergraduate and graduate), TOEFL (≥96) or IELTS scores (≥7), a brief statement of research experience and interests, and contact information of 2-3 referees in the email.

Lecturer – Civil Engineering (Fire Safety), University of Queensland

This exciting opportunity as a Level B Lecturer will see the incumbent teaching into the undergraduate and postgraduate engineering coursework programs, providing supervision to Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students, and contributing to the further development of programs within the School.  In addition, the role is expected to undertake research in the area of fire safety engineering and collaborate in research with other groups within the School, wider university and industry.

https://uq.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/uqcareers/details/Lecturer—Civil-Engineering_R-15738-1

  • Academic Level B
  • Full-time, Fixed-term position from 03/01/2023 to 01/01/2026
  • Close Date: 5 October 2022 at 11:00pm AEST (R-15738)

1. Teaching

  • Contribute to the development of new programs and course material in fire engineering, by consulting with program advisors and stakeholders, ensuring courses are engaging, relevant and contemporary.
  • Teach across different settings and actively contribute towards educational practice and innovative curriculum design including online learning and alternative teaching methods. It is expected this role would be capable of teaching into other core civil engineering courses (e.g., structural engineering).
  • Coordinate courses, prepare and deliver lectures and tutorials, and undertake assessment and marking for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
  • Maintain and improve the quality of courses as measured through evaluation instruments to meet industry and educational standards.
  • Provide high quality service to students, including academic counselling and advice.
  • Understand and apply University Rules relevant to teaching and learning practice.

2. Research

  • Develop an independent and/or team research program to achieve national recognition and impact in the research area.
  • Work with colleagues and postgraduates in the development and conduct of joint research projects and applications for competitive research funding support.
  • Contribute as chief investigator role (often in conjunction with more experienced researchers) in applications for external research funding, which includes actively seeking, obtaining and managing research funding.
  • Maintain an active and effective record of publishing in high quality national research journals, other appropriate refereed publications and conference publications.
  • Review and draw upon best practice research methodologies.
  • Prepare research publications and progress reports and participate in regular meetings to discuss project objectives, methodology and outcomes.

3. Supervision and Researcher Development

  • Contribute to the supervision of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students.
  • Recruitment, selection and onboarding of appropriately qualified employees in accordance with University policy and procedures.
  • Manage employee performance and conduct by providing coaching, feedback and training through probation, annual performance appraisal and regular meetings with employees.
  • Work to promptly resolve conflict and grievances when they arise in accordance with University policy and procedures.
  • Ensure employees remuneration and benefits are correct and liaise with Human Resources when a change occurs.

4. Citizenship and Service

  • Actively develop partnerships by fostering relationships with colleagues, industry, government departments, professional bodies and the wider community.
  • Show leadership of self and others through mentoring and collaboration.
  • Efficiently manage allocated internal service roles and processes, including participation in decision-making and service on relevant committees.
  • Effectively perform a range of administrative functions as required.
  • Provide support to other academic positions as needed and during absences.
  • Consistently demonstrate the UQ values.

5. Other

Ensure you are aware of and comply with legislation and University policy relevant to the duties undertaken, including but not exclusive to:

This role is subject to The University’s Code of Conduct.

About the School of Civil Engineering  

The School of Civil Engineering is one of the largest schools of its kind in Australia.  Primarily located in the state- Advanced Engineering Building, the School passionately delivers world-leading teaching, research, and service. We aspire to be the Civil Engineering school of choice for students, staff, industry, and the wider community in the fields of environmental, fire safety, geotechnical, structural, transportation and water engineering.

Our goal is to foster graduates with the technical and professional skills required to lead the civil engineering profession and we aim to re-engineer civil and infrastructure research to improve the way communities operate and function.

Our over 40 academic staff hail from over 24 countries, are widely published and cited, and have extensive research backgrounds in diverse engineering disciplines including coastal, environmental, fire safety, geotechnical, hydraulics, structural, transport, and water resources. These research strengths attract expert academics and students from around the world and provide industry with consulting expertise, research collaboration and testing facilities.

The School recognises and values equity and diversity, and encourages applications from any individual who meets the requirements of this position irrespective of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age or other protected attributes. The School strives to provide an inclusive working environment, and along with the University is committed to supporting staff with family and caring responsibilities by providing policies, programs and initiatives to help balance work and family responsibilities.  The School has an agreed set of values that include:

1. Respecting each other.

2. Embracing equity and diversity.

3. Making decisions transparently whenever possible.

4. Collaborating across disciplines and universities.

5. Supporting each other.

6. Being accountable and responsible.

7. Seeking first to understand then be understood.

8. Making positive and meaningful societal contributions.

9. Celebrating achievement.

For more information about the School, please visit: www.civil.uq.edu.au

Information about life at UQ including staff benefits, relocation and UQ campuses is available at – http://www.uq.edu.au/current-staff/working-at-uq

About You

Applicants should possess a PhD the area of Fire Safety Engineering, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or an equivalent discipline. Research interests in fire may include, structural fire safety, fire dynamics, wildland fires, transport fire safety, material engineering, and other areas of fire safety engineering and science. Additionally, you will demonstrate:

  • Demonstrated expert knowledge in a relevant discipline and ability to develop innovative research programs in the field of Fire Safety Engineering
  • A growing profile in teaching and research in the discipline area.
  • A developing reputation and track record of publications in reputed refereed journals and presenting at conferences.
  • Evidence of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing external research funding.
  • Evidence of a high level of quality teaching at undergraduate, honours and postgraduate level across a variety of settings, including small and large groups.
  • Experience in course coordination and contribution to the development and continuous innovation of new programs, curriculum design and course material in the discipline area. 
  • A growing record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students to successful completion.
  • Experience in meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with active contributions to external activities.

What We Can Offer 

This is a full-time (100%) FTE Fixed-term position for 3 years from 03/01/2023 through to 01/01/2026 at Academic Level B.

The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $101,533 to $120,570 plus super of up to 17%. The total FTE package will be in the range $118,794 to $141067 per annum.

For further information about UQ’s benefits, please visit Why Work at UQ and review The University of Queensland’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018-2021.

Questions? 

To discuss this role please contact Professor Tom Baldock +61 7 3365 53667 or [email protected] 

For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject line. 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must supply the following documents:  

  • Cover letter addressing Selection Criteria   
  • Resume  

 To satisfy pre-requisite questions and ensure your application can be considered in full, all candidates must apply via the UQ Careers portal by the job closing deadline. Applications received via other channels, including direct email, will not be accepted.  

About The Selection Process  

As part of the Selection Process, applicants shortlisted for interview may be required to present a seminar and mock lecture to members of the school community prior to their scheduled interview. Research seminars and lecture topics will be provided with adequate notice to shortlisted candidates.  

The University of Queensland is committed to ensuring all candidates are provided with the opportunity to attend the panel interviews, however, for those candidates who are unable to attend in person, video interview options will be available.     

To satisfy pre-requisite questions and ensure your application can be considered in full, all candidates must apply via the UQ Careers portal by the job closing deadline or will not be accepted. 

Other Information 

Qualification Verification: An appointment to this position is subject to the verification of the highest academic qualification from the conferring institution.

Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship may be available for this appointment. 

Background Checks: All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to a criminal record check. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits. 

We value diversity and inclusion, and actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage contains further information if you require additional support. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to [email protected]

If you are a current employee of the University, or hold an unpaid or affiliate appointment with the University, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board

PhD scholarship for Prediction of Wildfires in Scandinavia in Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

The Ph.D candidate will be part of the fire safety research group at Haugesund Campus in the Department of Safety, Chemistry and Biomedical laboratory sciences at Faculty of Engineering and Science.

The place of employment is Campus Haugesund. The period of the fellowship is three years.

https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/231171/phd-scholarship-for-prediction-of-wildfires-in-scandinavia

About the PhD project:

Global warming will give rise to increasing temperatures, less rain, and longer periods with dry weather conditions. Such hot and dry periods will increase the risk of large wildfires in regions unfamiliar with these types of disasters, one such region is Northern Europe where both the number and the size of wildfires are expected to increase. To prepare for and reduce the risk of disastrous wildfires, societal safety must be further developed to predict these types of disasters. This project will contribute to the prediction of wildfires risk and spread by implementing new methods for detecting risk factors together with new models for fire spread.

The candidate will work experimentally with fire spread in Scandinavian vegetation. From small-scale to medium-scale in our laboratory facilities, as well as real-scale in the field, the fire behaviour of different vegetation will be determined and analysed. The influence of different parameters such as weather conditions and topography will be also determined for the fire behaviour of the specific vegetation that can be encountered in the Scandinavian region.

Applicants should submit a project outline of maximum 5 pages, describing topic, choice of theory and method as well as plan for carrying out a potential project. The preliminary project descriptions will be used for assessing the qualifications of the candidates. The final project description will be developed together with the supervisors.

Qualifications:

Formal qualifications:

  • The PhD research fellow should have a master’s degree in (or closely related to) fire safety engineering
  • Good understanding and writing of English language

Wanted qualifications:

  • Education or experience from fire safety is an advantage but not a prerequisite
  • Previous experience from work in fire safety engineering laboratory
  • Knowledge on instrumentation

Personal qualifications:

  • Ability for teamwork
  • Good communication skills
  • High work capacity
  • Interested to work in multidiscipline project
  • Solution oriented

In addition to the required educational background, the following criteria will be evaluated: competence and grades on completed course work, quality of the master’s thesis (excellent grade, equivalent of grade B or better on the ECTS grading system), publications (if any), communication skills, research and work experience.

The candidate must be diligent and display the ability to work independently, supplemented with regular guidance, and is expected to carry out high-quality research and to publish the results in national seminars, international workshops, conferences, and journals.

The PhD research fellow must enroll in a PhD program. An application for enrolment should first be submitted after an appointment is made and the supervisor(s) will help with this procedure. The candidate must be enrolled as a PhD student within 3 months from the start of the employment.

Application procedure:

Applications will be evaluated by an expert panel of three members.

Applicants are asked to submit their application and CV online. Please use the link “Apply for this job” (“Søk stillingen”).

The following documentation should be uploaded as an attachment to the online application:

  • Master Thesis
  • Project outline of maximum 5 pages describing topic, choice of theory and method as well as plan for carrying out a potential project
  • Copies of selected academic publications (no more than 15)
  • A CV with a complete list of academic publications
  • Diplomas and certificates

Applicants should indicate which publications or parts of publications should be given special consideration in the evaluation. If the documents submitted are not in a Scandinavian language or in English, the applicants must submit certified translations of these. The transcripts must specify the topics, the course works, and the grades at the bachelor`s and master`s degree levels. 

Applicant whose education is from another country than Norway, need to also attach a certified translation of the diploma and transcript of grades to English or a Scandinavian language, if the original is not in any of these languages. It is required that the applicant enclose a review from NOKUT whether the education (bachelor and master’s degree) is of a scope and level that corresponds to the level of a Norwegian master’s degree. 
Please see www.nokut.no/en for more information about NOKUT’s general recognition. This may take some time and we recommend you to apply as soon as you know you will apply for this position. If no answer within the application deadline, please enclose documentation from NOKUT that they have received your application.

Applicants should note that the evaluation will be based on the documentation submitted electronically via Jobbnorge within the submission deadline. The applicants are responsible for ensuring that all the documentation is submitted before the closing date. It is of utmost importance that all publications to be considered in the evaluation are uploaded as an attachment with the application, since these are sent electronically to the expert panel. Applications cannot be sent by e-mail or to individuals at the college.

Research Assistant/ Associate at Imperial College London: Artic fires with an emphasis on smoldering combustion and fire spread

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/description/ENG02239/research-assistant-associate-artic-fires-emphasis-smoldering-combustion-and-fire-spread

Job summary

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to study experimentally smouldering Artic fires and join Imperial Hazelab which is the multidisciplinary research group led by Prof. Guillermo Rein based the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London. The purpose of Hazelab is to reduce the worldwide burden of accidental fires and protect people, their property, and the environment. The project, named FireFrost, is part of…

Job listing information

  • Reference ENG02239
  • Date posted 3 August 2022
  • Closing date 31 August 2022