PhD Position in Computational Tribology: Continuum Modeling of Boundary Lubrication

PhD Position in Computational Tribology:
Continuum Modeling of Boundary Lubrication

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join project P8 "Boundary lubrication:
Toward a continuum theory of sheared fluids under strong confinement" within the DFG Research Unit FOR
5099 "Reducing complexity of nonequilibrium systems."

PhD Position in Computational Tribology:
Continuum Modeling of Boundary Lubrication

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 — from wind turbines and electric vehicle drive trains to biomedical implants. 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

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join project P8 "Boundary lubrication:
Toward a continuum theory of sheared fluids under strong confinement" within the DFG Research Unit FOR
5099 "Reducing complexity of nonequilibrium systems."

Project description

The successful candidate will investigate the re-lubrication of dry tribological contacts from neighboring lubricant reservoirs using a combination of large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and 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.

At a deeper level, this project tackles a profound scientific challenge: developing a seamless transition between classical continuum mechanics and the nanoscale emergent behavior of finite systems. Where does the continuum description break down? What new physics arises when only a handful of molecular layers carry the load? Your research will push the boundaries of our understanding at this fascinating interface.

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 behavior 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

• A 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
• A collaborative research environment within a DFG Research Unit connecting leading groups across Germany
• The opportunity to work at both the University of Freiburg (Institute of Physics) and Fraunhofer IWM — bridging academic curiosity and industrial relevance
• 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,…