Measurement tools and methods for evaluating wind propulsion performance in maritime transport and energy transport

Organisation/Company Nantes Université Department Campus HEINLEX Research Field Engineering ‘Maritime engineering Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 31 Aug 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 2026_10_01_GeM_Casari_VENFFRAIS2_POSTDOC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

1 Context Launched in November 2025 by IRT Jules Verne (Nantes), VENFFRAIS II is a 5-year collaborative project with a budget of EUR 15.2M (France 2030 programme), bringing together 23 partners: shipowners, equipment manufacturers, naval architects, shipyards, engineering firms, test centres, classification societies and academic partners. Technically coordinated by Mauric and supported by the Wind Ship association, its ambition is to provide the French wind propulsion sector with shared, reliable measurement tools to evaluate, compare and certify the performance of wind-assisted propulsion systems — grounded in scientific transparency and French industrial sovereignty. Maritime shipping accounts for more than 90% of global trade and nearly 3% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Windpropulsion has emerged as a breakthrough solution capable of significantly reducing fuel consumption without requiring new energy infrastructure. A broad range of wind-assisted propulsion technologies are now being developed and deployed — including Flettner rotors, rigid sails, soft sails, kites and suction wings — each presenting specific structural challenges under marine operating conditions.

2 Research Scope This post-doctoral research position is embedded directly in the iterative approach of VENFFRAIS II, which combines numerical modelling, experimental testing and real-condition measurements. The post-doctoral researcher will be based at the GeM laboratory (Institut de Recherche en Génie Civil et Mécanique) at Saint-Nazaire.

The position covers two complementary research axes : Axis 1 – Performance Measurement under Real Operating ConditionsThe objective is to develop and validate measurement tools and methods to assess wind propulsion system performance under real operating conditions. This includes: Establishing wind measurement methods linking propulsive force to wind speed, direction and sea state Investigating non-intrusive solutions (LiDAR, computer vision, optical fibres) for certification purposes Defining standardised test procedures based on ISO 15016 / ITTC toward the publication of international performance standards Active participation in at-sea trials on partner vessels

Axis 2 – Structural Health Monitoring and Load Identification Wind propulsion devices are hybrid steel and composite structures exposed to severe marine conditions (thermal variations, humidity, vibrations, ship motions, etc.). Over a 25-year service life, structural integrity monitoring is critical both for safety and performance validation. The central challenge is the identification of actual loads and stresses applied to these structures from deformation field measurements — an inverse problem combining advanced instrumentation, mechanical modelling and data processing. Key research activities include: Design and validation of a multi-sensor instrumentation system (strain gauges, optical fibres, optical measurement techniques) on representative structures or at full scale Development of load transfer concepts to concentrate and amplify deformation signals,maximising signal-to-noise ratio while avoiding plastification Material selection and integration, accounting for thermal and galvanic compatibility with the host structure Development and adaptation of finite element models of instrumented structures (steel and composites) Implementation of inverse methods for load reconstruction from measured deformation fields Model updating, uncertainty analysis and uncertainty propagation Metrological validation and qualification of acquired measurements

Scientific DisseminationThe research also targets dissemination of results through peer-reviewed publications,presentations at national and international conferences, contribution to technical projectdeliverables, and science outreach activities.

Requirements

Research Field Engineering ’Maritime engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Education & ExperienceA PhD in structural mechanics, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, applied maritime or naval engineering, fluid mechanics, metrology, or a closely related field is required. Prior experience in applied or industrial research is a strong asset, and a track record of participation in collaborative academic or industrial projects will be considered a significant advantage.

Technical & Scientific SkillsCore competencies: Experimental metrology and instrumentation Experience with strain gauges or fibre optic sensors Data acquisition in real-world or semi-industrial conditions Scientific programming in Python and/or MATLAB Signal processing and parametric identification Fluid mechanics, naval hydrodynamics and aerodynamics relevant to wind propulsion systems Structural and materials mechanics Basic knowledge of the behaviour of steel structures and, where applicable, composite materials Familiarity with naval performance standards (ISO 15016, ITTC)

Additional Valued SkillsStructural Health Monitoring (SHM), Machine learning applied to mechanics (regression, physics-informed neural networks), Experience in offshore, industrial or civil engineering environments, Fatigue analysis and structural life assessment, Wind measurement methods (LiDAR, apparent wind correction, true wind estimation), Non-intrusive measurement techniques (computer vision, optical fibre sensors), Numerical and computational methods : Finite element simulation (Simcenter 3D/Nastran/Femap, Abaqus, ANSYS, or equivalent)

Soft Skills & Personal QualitiesA proactive, independent and creative mindset, combined with openness to interdisciplinary collaboration, is highly valued. A genuine interest in prototyping and hands-on experimental development is expected. Prior exposure to intellectual property protection mechanisms, including patent filing, is welcomed.

Communication & DisseminationStrong scientific writing skills, ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals, present work at national and international conferences, and contribute to public outreach are expected. Teaching and lecturing experience is appreciated. French is required as the project is nationally funded; a professional level of English is essential for scientific communication, publications and consortium interactions.

An unprecedented model in France combining a university, a university hospital (CHU de Nantes), atechnological research institute (IRT Jules Verne), a national research organization (Inserm) and theGrandes Ècoles (Centrale Nantes, École des Beaux-arts Nantes Saint-Nazaire, Ecole NationaleSupérieure d'Architecture de Nantes).

• Commitment to professional equality, diversity and inclusion and addressing gender-based and sexual violence
• Membership in the EUniWell European Alliance committed to wellness
• Certified HR Excellence in Research since 2022 as part of the HRS4R strategy
• Transport subscription up to 75 % supported
• Sustainable mobility package, in line with the institution’s commitment to sustainable development
• Access to university restaurants with a preferential rate
• Access to sports, university libraries and other activities on campus

Selection process