Two-year Postdoctoral Position in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering - Development of Innovative Solutions for the Reduction of the Acoustic Footprint of Shrouded Rotors – REAR Projec

Two-year Postdoctoral Position in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering - Development of Innovative Solutions for the Reduction of the Acoustic Footprint of Shrouded Rotors – REAR Project

About the project

Bell Textron Canada Limited, a helicopter manufacturer, Hutchinson Aerospace and Industry Limited, a manufacturer of innovative multifunctional materials, the Laboratory of Acoustic and Vibration Analyses (LAVA) of Polytechnique Montréal and the Groupe de Recherche en Acoustique à Montréal (GRAM) of the École de Technologie Supérieure have joined forces to develop solutions aimed at reducing the acoustic footprint of the variable-speed shrouded tail rotors of the helicopters or drones of the future, while maintaining their performance. The development of a general methodology for the design of passive acoustic absorption solutions for the aeronautical industry and the introduction of acoustic liners within the EDAT tail rotor shroud are the objectives of this project, which is being co-funded by CRIAQ, NSERC and MITACS. The postdoctoral fellow will be part of an integrated and diversified team of several PhD students and one post-doctoral fellow whose respective projects will cover aspects of acoustic characterization, fabrication methods, modeling and design of innovative acoustic liners.

The candidate will:
1. Develop a research methodology for designing sound absorbing solutions based on the TRIZ method (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving). If needed, training will be provided to develop the necessary expertise.
2. Working closely with industrial and academic partners to share knowledge, exchange ideas and implement innovative solutions.
3. With the support of the relevant professors, supervise the research work of several graduate students and interns working on rotor sound field simulation and the manufacture of innovative acoustic solutions using techniques such as 3D printing and composite materials.
4. Design and potentially fabricate experimental setups for acoustic, vibration and mechanical testing, in order to properly characterize the existing test rig.
5. Manage and monitor the project, ensuring that objectives are met on schedule. This includes managing lab equipment, organizing progress meetings and writing reports to inform the team and stakeholders of progress.
The project will be carried out at LAVA under the supervision of Prof. Annie Ross (LAVA) and the co-supervision of Prof. David Vidal (LAVA) and Prof. Thomas Dupont (GRAM). The salary is CAD 62,000 per year.

Skills and training required

The successful candidate should have a PhD degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering (or other relevant education) with a solid background in acoustics and/or vibration. Knowledge in numerical modeling, advanced manufacturing processes, innovation methods (e.g. TRIZ) and/or experimental methods will be an asset. The successful candidate must demonstrate leadership, autonomy, dynamism and creativity, as well as excellent teamwork, communication and technical skills.

Application

The applicants interested in joining the project should send:
1. A curriculum vitae including a list of publications;
2. A letter of motivation;
3. All undergraduate and graduate transcripts and degrees;
4. An example of technical writing of which they are the principal author (e.g. article, report or PhD thesis).

PS: TO EASE THE APPLICATION PROCESS: you can first send your CV and, if you are selected, we will ask you in a second step for the other documents.

Applications should be sent by email to Prof. Annie Ross (annie.ross (at) polymtl.ca) Prof. David Vidal (david.vidal (at) polymtl.ca) and Dr. Edith Roland Fotsing (edith-roland.fotsing (at) polymtl.ca)
With the goal of beginning the project as soon as possible, and although the offer is conditional on obtaining funding from the above-mentioned granting agencies, applications will be evaluated as they are received and the offer will end as soon as a qualified candidate is identified.

About Polytechnique Montréal

Founded in 1873, Polytechnique Montréal today welcomes close to 10,000 students and relies on the expertise of nearly 1,600 people with diverse skills. Polytechnique promotes excellence and creativity. Located on Mont-Royal, an exceptional site in the heart of Montreal, Polytechnique is an internationally renowned engineering university. It is renowned for its multidisciplinary and multisectoral research, which is at the forefront of the local, national and international scenes, and for the high quality of the training offered at all levels. Polytechnique is a proponent of sustainable development and has been awarded the STARS Gold level certification. It is distinguished by its cutting-edge advances and its active role in technological, economic and social development. Polytechnique applies an equal employment opportunity program and particularly encourages women, members of visible and ethnic minorities, aboriginals and disabled persons to apply.