PhD Position: Decoding Cable Fires for Critical Infrastructure
Develop predictive physics-based models for fire propagation in industrial electrical cable bundles.
Best for:Best for candidates with a background in materials science or chemical engineering and a strong interest in fire safety and multiphysics modeling.
Overview
This PhD position at the UMET Laboratory, Centrale Lille Institut, focuses on the critical challenge of fire safety in industrial and nuclear infrastructure. The project, funded by the ANR DGA-ASTRID 'SAFE-FIRE-CABLE' initiative, aims to create a validated numerical demonstrator for simulating fire propagation in complex cable bundles. The successful candidate will bridge experimental material characterization with multiphysics fire modeling. Working alongside partners from EDF and IMFT, the researcher will contribute to enhancing the resilience of civil and defense systems against fire-related risks.
What you'll do
- Prepare and characterize industrial cable-sheath specimens for experimental testing.
- Execute thermal analysis experiments using TGA/DTG and DSC under controlled conditions.
- Conduct cone-calorimeter testing to quantify heat release, mass loss, and ignition parameters.
- Analyze pyrolysis gases using FTIR-based methods coupled with thermal analysis.
- Characterize fire residues using advanced techniques such as solid-state NMR and Raman spectroscopy.
- Develop and calibrate multireaction pyrolysis schemes and kinetic parameters.
- Integrate experimental data into GPYRO-Code_Saturne modeling chains for simulation validation.
- Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Fire Safety Engineering, or a related discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English (Excellent proficiency required).
Instruction: English
- Strong background in polymers, thermal degradation, or combustion science.
- Proficiency in experimental thermal analysis techniques.
- Analytical skills and commitment to reproducible research data.
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency.
- Ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team.
- Must hold a Master's degree or equivalent.
- Must be able to obtain security clearance from the security and defense officer (process takes approximately 3 months).
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30 (Europe/Paris)
Interested candidates should submit a CV, a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) detailing motivation and research interests, and two recommendation letters. All documents must be in English and sent via email to Professor Serge Bourbigot.
- CV
- Cover letter
- 2 recommendation letters
Contact
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