Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (Wildfire modelling)

Université de Poitiers; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious university in France seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to focus on wildfire resilience assessment in construction systems. The role involves developing numerical modeling techniques and integrating models to predict building vulnerability to wildfires. Candidates must hold a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related fields and possess expertise in numerical modeling and experimental development. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant research in fire safety.

Qualifications

• PhD in a closely related field required.
• Expertise in numerical modeling and experimental development necessary.

Responsabilités

• Develop and calibrate a building ignition sub-model using M. Janssen Flux-Time Product concept.
• Integrate the ignition sub-model into the Small World wildfire-spread simulation code.
• Perform scenario-based simulations to assess building vulnerability and resilience.
• Conduct parametric sensitivity analyses on mitigation strategies.

Connaissances

Numerical modeling

Experimental development

Formation

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Safety Engineering, Energy Systems, or a related field

Description du poste

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (First Stage Researcher R1)

Organization: Université de Poitiers – Department of DFTC

Location: Poitiers, France

Application Deadline: 2 Jan 2026

Contract: Temporary, Full-time (35 hours per week) – Start Date: 5 Jan 2026

Offer Description

The project, titled Interface - WUI: Structure Vulnerability Assessment, utilizes an integrated approach centered on numerical modeling to evaluate the fire resilience of bio‑based construction systems against rising wildfire risks. Large‑scale wildfire propagation is modeled using the Small World Model, a validated hybrid simulation tool that couples physico‑chemical models with stochastic network‑based propagation to enable predictive simulation over large areas. This robust model incorporates critical parameters such as vegetation heterogeneity, topography (via a Digital Elevation Model), and wind conditions to map the thermal fluxes likely to impact target buildings. A dedicated building ignition sub‑model, calibrated with multi‑scale experimental results (e.g., cone calorimeter, radiant panel) and based on the M. Janssen Flux‑Time Product concept, is being developed and later integrated into the wildfire‑spread code. The integration enables scenario‑based simulations for a comparative assessment of building vulnerability and resilience, including parametric sensitivity analysis of mitigation strategies like clearance distances.

Responsibilities

• Develop and calibrate a building ignition sub‑model using the M. Janssen Flux‑Time Product concept and experimental data (cone calorimeter, radiant panel tests).
• Integrate the ignition sub‑model into the Small World wildfire‑spread simulation code.
• Perform scenario‑based simulations to assess building vulnerability and resilience to wildfire.
• Conduct parametric sensitivity analyses on mitigation strategies such as clearance distances.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Safety Engineering, Energy Systems, or a closely related field.
• Expertise in numerical modeling and experimental development.

Where to Apply

Email: [e-mail]

Offer Details

Number of positions available: 1

Address: Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Mécanique et d'Aérotechnique (ENSMA), Téléport 2, 1 avenue Clément Ader BP 40109 86961, Futuroscope, Chasseneuil Cedex, Poitiers, France.