PhD Position in Multiscale Modeling of Fatigue Damage in Asphalt Mixtures, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Summary

The RWTH Aachen University’s Chair and Institute for Road Engineering offers a PhD position within the DFG‑funded FatigueID project, focusing on multiscale modeling of fatigue damage in asphalt mixtures. The candidate will combine experimental cyclic tensile testing, digital image correlation, CT imaging, and mesoscale finite‑element simulations with probabilistic damage analysis. The role includes developing surrogate models, optimizing mix designs, and collaborating in an interdisciplinary team. The position is a 75% part‑time, fixed‑term contract (initially three years) under TV‑L EG 13, with full access to modern laboratory and computing facilities. Excellent English is required, German is advantageous, and a master’s degree in a related field is mandatory.

Key Facts

Employer	RWTH Aachen University
Department	Lehrstuhl und Institut für Straßenwesen
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Civil Engineering
Research Area	Multiscale modeling of fatigue damage in asphalt mixtures
Degree Required	Master degree
Salary	EG 13 TV-L
Funding	Salary (TV-L EG 13)
Contract Duration	3 years (fixed-term)
Language	English (required), German (optional)
Deadline	2026-11-28
Employer Address	Templergraben 55, 52062, North Rhine-Westphalia
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Alvaro Garcia, Phone: 02418025220

About the Project

The FatigueID project, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), investigates the development and spatial distribution of fatigue damage in asphalt mixtures. It integrates mechanical fatigue testing, digital image correlation, X‑ray computed tomography, mesoscale finite‑element modeling, and probabilistic damage state analysis to create reliable, durability‑oriented mix designs. The project aims to improve the understanding of material behavior under cyclic loads and to provide tools for optimizing asphalt composition and road longevity.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and model fatigue damage in asphalt mixtures
• Plan and conduct cyclic indirect tensile tests
• Evaluate stiffness reduction and crack formation
• Link DIC and CT measurements to damage evolution
• Develop and analyze mesoscale finite‑element models
• Calibrate and validate simulations with experimental data
• Investigate probabilistic transitions between damage states
• Develop surrogate models and perform constrained optimization
• Collaborate with experimental and numerical researchers
• Document reproducible workflows
• Publish and present research results

Required Skills

• Master degree in a relevant engineering or scientific field
• Basic knowledge of mechanics or material behavior
• Programming experience in Python or MATLAB
• Interest in combining laboratory work with numerical modeling
• Very good English proficiency
• German language skills are advantageous
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team
• Motivation to learn new methods and tools

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, computational engineering, applied mathematics or related disciplines, who possess basic knowledge of mechanics, programming skills in Python or MATLAB, and a strong interest in linking laboratory experiments with numerical modeling are encouraged to apply. Candidates should demonstrate excellent English, willingness to work independently and in a team, and motivation to acquire new skills in fatigue and fracture mechanics, finite‑element analysis, and data‑driven methods.

Benefits

• Employment relationship under TV‑L
• Part‑time position (75% of regular weekly hours)
• Fixed‑term contract for initially 3 years
• Promotion (PhD) opportunity
• Salary classification EG 13 TV‑L
• Access to modern road material testing facilities and computing resources
• Family‑friendly university certification and health‑management services

About the Employer

The position is offered by the Chair and Institute for Road Engineering (ISAC) at RWTH Aachen University, a research‑intensive German university. The institute focuses on road material and pavement structure research using laboratory experiments, computational mechanics, and data analysis. RWTH Aachen is certified as a family‑friendly university and provides extensive health, counseling, and preventive services to its staff and students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

28 November 2026

What is the contract duration?

Initially fixed‑term for 3 years

What language proficiency is required?

Excellent English is required; German is advantageous

Is the position full‑time?

It is a part‑time position at 75 % of regular weekly hours