PhD Position in Computational Tribology: Continuum Modeling of Boundary Lubrication

PhD Position in Computational Tribology: Continuum Modeling of Boundary Lubrication New | Part‑time | Research & Instruction Description University of Freiburg / Fraunhofer IWM, Germany Why this matters — Friction and wear account for roughly 23 % of global energy consumption. Improving lubrication even marginally can save billions of euros annually, reduce CO₂ emissions by millions of tonnes, and extend the lifetime of critical mechanical components. By understanding lubrication at the nanoscale and translating that knowledge into predictive continuum models, you will contribute directly to more sustainable engineering, reduced resource waste, and a lower carbon footprint for industries worldwide. The opportunity – Join project P8 “Boundary lubrication: Toward a continuum theory of sheared fluids under strong confinement”, part of DFG Research Unit FOR5099 “Reducing complexity of nonequilibrium systems”. The successful candidate will investigate the re‑lubrication of dry tribological contacts from neighboring lubricant reservoirs using large‑scale molecular‑dynamics simulations combined with continuum modeling based on the Reynolds lubrication equation. Your work will bridge fundamental physics and real‑world application, enabling the rational design of next‑generation lubricants and textured surfaces that last longer, pollute less, and perform better. Project focus includes developing a seamless transition between classical continuum mechanics and the nanoscale emergent behaviour of finite systems. Key questions are where the continuum description breaks down and what new physics arises when only a handful of molecular layers carry the load. Research focus MD simulations of lubricant transport from filled cavities into dry contact zones Understanding the basic microscopic mechanisms underlying macroscopic constitutive laws Deriving constitutive equations for monolayer and sub‑monolayer lubricant films Developing continuum descriptions for closed lid‑driven cavity systems including compressibility, shear thinning, and wall slip Formulating a seamless bridge between classical continuum mechanics and nanoscale emergent behaviour of confined, finite systems Formulating 2D Navier‑Stokes–based transport models for monolayer lubrication Building a transient continuum model capturing dynamic re‑lubrication transitions Requirements Master’s degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or a related field Experience in molecular‑dynamics simulations and/or continuum fluid mechanics Programming skills (Python, C/C++, or similar) Interest in tribology, nanofluidics, or non‑equilibrium statistical mechanics Good communication skills in English Experience with LAMMPS, lubrication theory, or non‑Newtonian fluid mechanics is a plus We offer 3‑year funded position (E13, 75 %) with an option to extend for 1 year Supervision by an interdisciplinary team: Dr Kerstin Falk, Dr Steffen Wolf, and Prof Michael Moseler Access to high‑performance computing facilities Collaborative research environment within a DFG Research Unit connecting leading groups across Germany Opportunity to work at both the University of Freiburg (Institute of Physics) and Fraunhofer IWM Networking with experimental and theoretical partners, conference participation, and career development support Your impact Your research will help answer a deceptively simple question: how does a single molecular layer of lubricant protect a surface, and can we capture this in a continuum theory? The answers have far‑reaching consequences for energy efficiency, machinery longevity, reduced maintenance costs, and ultimately a more sustainable economy. Beyond application, you will contribute to a fundamental understanding of how macroscopic physical laws emerge from microscopic interactions. Contact Prof. Dr. Michael Moseler – View email address on click.appcast.io Dr. Kerstin Falk – View email address on click.appcast.io Simone Esther Ortolf – +49 761 203 97666, View email address on click.appcast.io Application Send your application in English, including supporting documents and citing reference number 00005047 by 15 July 2026. Applications may be submitted in written or electronic form to: University of Freiburg, FOR 5099 – Reducing Complexity of nonequilibrium systems, Institute of Physics, Hermann‑Herder‑Str. 37, 01049 Freiburg, Germany. We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here. Application deadline: 15 July 2026 Start‑date: At the earliest possible date Scope of work: Part‑time position (75 %) #J-18808-Ljbffr Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg