Postdoc in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics in Inria Saclay Ile-de-France – France

Summary

Inria Saclay – Ile-de-France is offering a temporary Postdoc position in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics. The project focuses on developing robust optimization methods for bifurcation diagrams, particularly for flutter mitigation in HALE drones, by combining techniques for bifurcation analysis, optimization, and uncertainty quantification. The role involves numerical implementation, testing, and comparison of developed approaches. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field with a background in non-linear dynamics, uncertainty quantification, or robust optimization, and be proficient in scientific computing. The position is full-time, starting on December 1, 2026, and is not funded by an EU program. The application deadline is October 15, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Inria Saclay – Ile-de-France
Position Type	Postdoc
Discipline	Mechanical engineering, Applied mathematics
Research Area	Robust optimisation of bifurcation diagrams for flutter design, non-linear dynamics, uncertainty quantification
Degree Required	PhD or equivalent
Experience	Background in non-linear dynamics, uncertainty quantification, robust optimisation, or related fields; proficient in scientific computing.
Funding	Not funded by a EU programme
Contract Duration	Temporary
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-15
Required Documents	Detailed academic CV with history of scientific production, Evaluation documents of PhD (if available), Cover letter
Employer Address	Bâtiment Alan Turing – 1 rue Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves – Campus de l École Polytechnique, Palaiseau, 91120, France
Employer Contact	E Denimal Goy ([email protected]), B Chouvion ([email protected])

About the Project

The research project aims to develop robust optimization methods for bifurcation diagrams, addressing the critical impact of uncertainties in the dynamic behavior of mechanical structures. The project will combine techniques from bifurcation analysis, optimization, and uncertainty quantification, considering large parametric variations. A key focus will be on reducing numerical costs through surrogate-based strategies. The work will involve three main objectives: developing uncertainty propagation methods for stochastic nonlinear dynamic systems, creating robust optimization methods for bifurcation diagrams, and applying these methods to real-world scenarios, specifically flutter mitigation in HALE drones.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop uncertainty propagation methods for characterizing bifurcation behavior of stochastic nonlinear dynamic systems
• Develop robust optimization methods for bifurcation diagrams
• Develop methods capable of dealing with real-world scenarios, particularly for flutter mitigation in HALE drones
• Numerically implement, test, and compare the different identified approaches

Required Skills

• PhD in mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, or a related discipline
• Background in non-linear dynamics
• Background in uncertainty quantification
• Background in robust optimisation or related fields
• Proficient in scientific computing

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for Recognised Researchers (R2) holding a PhD in mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, or a related discipline. Ideal candidates will have a background in non-linear dynamics, uncertainty quantification, or robust optimization, and possess strong scientific computing skills. The role is for individuals interested in developing robust optimization methods for bifurcation diagrams, with a specific application to flutter mitigation in HALE drones.

About the Employer

The work will be conducted in the Platon team, a joint research group between Ecole Polytechnique and CNRS, hosted by the Center for Applied Mathematics (CMAP) of École Polytechnique. The Platon project-team focuses on developing innovative methods and algorithms for uncertainty management in numerical models, including advanced calibration strategies and uncertainty reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main objective of this postdoc position?

The main objective is to develop robust optimization methods for bifurcation diagrams, combining techniques for bifurcation analysis, optimization, and uncertainty quantification.

What are the required qualifications for this position?

Candidates must hold a PhD in mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, or a related discipline, with a background in non-linear dynamics, uncertainty quantification, robust optimization, or related fields, and be proficient in scientific computing.

Who will supervise the postdoc?

The postdoc will be supervised by E Denimal Goy and P M Congedo, with additional supervision from B Chouvion from CREA Ecole de l'Air et de l'Espace.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants should submit a detailed academic CV with a history of scientific production, evaluation documents of their PhD (if available), and a cover letter.

Is this job funded by an EU Research Framework Programme?

No, the job is not funded by an EU programme.

Where will the work be conducted?

The work will be conducted in the Platon team, a joint research group between Ecole Polytechnique and CNRS, hosted by the Center for Applied Mathematics (CMAP) of École Polytechnique in Palaiseau, France.