Slow transient modelling of a water distribution network to pre-locate leaks by online pressure measurments

33400 TALENCE

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INRAE presentation

The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is a major player in research and innovation. It is a community of 12,000 people with 272 research, experimental research, and support units located in 18 regional centres throughout France. Internationally, INRAE is among the top research organisations in the agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences, as well as in ecology and environmental science. It is the world’s leading research organisation specialising in agriculture, food and the environment. INRAE’s goal is to be a key player in the transitions necessary to address major global challenges. Faced with a growing world population, climate change, resource scarcity, and declining biodiversity, the Institute has a major role to play in building solutions and supporting the necessary acceleration of agricultural, food and environmental transitions.

Work environment, missions and activities

You will be welcomed in the Institute of Mechanics and Engineering of the University of Bordeaux (I2M). The I2M conducts research in engineering and mathematics for the sustainable management and optimisation of drinking water networks.

Summary: This research is part of the national project 'EchoUrbaNet', which is funded by the ANR (Agence Nationale de la Recherche). The aim of the project is to develop a new theoretical approach combined with a new detection method to enable the identification of leaks in water distribution networks.The project aims to develop new transient analysis computation codes and a high-frequency sensor, and to identify and locate leaks and major pipe defects. The postdoc's work is part of the development of a slow transient code and its application to leak detection.

Role Description: This is a full-time on-site 18 months postdoc funded opportunity at INRAE located in Talence, I2M université de Bordeaux. The role involves tasks such as conducting research, developping a digital model, and inverse problem solving.

Role Description: This is a full-time on-site 18 months postdoc funded opportunity at INRAE located in Talence, I2M université de Bordeaux. The role involves tasks such as conducting research, developping a digital model, and inverse problem solving.

You will be in charge of:

  • Developping and testing  a slow transient digital model for a water distribution network
  • Prelocalization of leaks using measurements and the slow transient model
  • Writing a report and two articles

Special conditions of activity: 

  • Employment type full-time
  • Work on site
  • Option to work from home (max 2 days a week)

 

Training and skills

PhD

Ph.D. less than 3 years old in a relevant field (e.g. physical, engineering, mathematical) 

Strong modelling and optimization skills

Knowledge of hydromechanical operation of water networks

Strong background in fluid mechanics and/or mathematics

Experience with Python or other programming languages

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to work independently and in a team

Scientific writing skills and motivation to promote results

INRAE's life quality

By joining our teams, you benefit from (depending on the type of contract and its duration):

- up to 30 days of annual leave + 15 days "Reduction of Working Time" (for a full time);
parenting support: CESU childcare, leisure services;
- skills development systems: trainingcareer advise;
social support: advice and listening, social assistance and loans;
holiday and leisure services: holiday vouchers, accommodation at preferential rates;
sports and cultural activities;
- collective catering;

-Partial coverage of home/work transport subscription (TER, TBM).

How to apply

I send my CV and my motivation letter

All persons employed by or hosted at INRAE, a public research establishment, are subject to the Civil Service Code, particularly with regard to the obligation of neutrality and respect for the principle of secularism. In carrying out their functions, whether or not they are in contact with the public, they must not express their religious, philosophical or political convictions through their behaviour or by what they wear.  > Find out more: fonction publique.gouv.fr website (in French)

Offer reference

  • Contract: Postdoctoral position
  • Duration: 18 months
  • Beginning: 01/10/2025
  • Remuneration: 3 135.81 euos gross monthly
  • Reference: OT-25554
  • Deadline: 01/06/2025

Contact

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