Chaire de Professeur Junior - Mathematics at the Interfaces of Mechanics and Applications (MAÏA)

Chair open at the Laboratory of Mechanics and Acoustics (LMA) on the Marseille campus, with a dual affiliation to Sections 26 and 60 of the French National Council of Universities (CNU).

Tenure as a full University Professor expected at the end of a 3-year contract.

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Scientific Project
The LMA’s research in mechanics focuses on materials (metals, composites, polymers, concrete) and structures, studying their static and dynamic mechanical behavior (homogenization, interfaces, nonlinearities, damage) as well as the propagation of sound waves in these media. In acoustics, the research covers a broad spectrum, from infrasound to ultrasound: propagation in fluids and solids, sound synthesis, active control, underwater acoustics, geoseismics, material characterization, musical acoustics, sound perception, and bioacoustics. These approaches -whether disciplinary or interdisciplinary- are supported by advanced mathematical developments and exceptional experimental resources organized into platforms. The applications address major societal challenges: the environment, transportation, energy, and health.
The need for mechanical and acoustic modelling is growing and strategic. The advent of Artificial Intelligence, for example, now makes it possible to push the boundaries of engineering and innovation. The primary objective will be to develop new modelling solutions based on the LMA’s research themes, within a disciplinary or interdisciplinary framework in collaboration with its teams. These approaches require the integration of experimental data, physical modelling, and advanced numerical methods; they could lead to advanced digital twins of materials and structures,  or proposals for new materials or methods, all of which are aligned with current societal challenges in the areas of health, decarbonization, and energy sovereignty and independence. With an increasingly strategic role, applied mathematics would help bring together internal exchanges and
thereby foster collective progress leading to significant scientific advancements.

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Teaching Project
Centrale Méditerranée is committed to an approach that places engineering education at the heart of the transformation challenges facing businesses and organizations in a rapidly changing world. In this spirit, it incorporates environmental and societal considerations into all of its missions, with a systemic vision. Students joining our programs, whatever the track, expect a commitment to action that impacts content, teaching methods, and skills alike. The chairholder will be invited to actively engage in the school's reflections, initiatives, and responses to calls for projects (see the Cap 2030 strategic plan).. (See more in the attached file)

Contact : Jean-François Chaix - LMA & Dominique Eyheramendy - Centrale Méditerranée

Application procedure:
Applications must be submitted online via the French Ministry's GALAXIE platform.
Timeline :
Applications open: September 16, 2026, 4:00 p.m. (Paris time) – Date to be confirm -
Application deadline: October 16, 2026, 4:00 p.m. (Paris time) – Date to be confirm -
The chairholder's start date is set for December 1, 2026.
Evaluation criteria:
• Candidate's excellence, motivation, and pedagogical and scientific supervisory ability.
• Quality and originality of the teaching and research projects.
• Relevance and structuring effect of the project within the laboratory and at the partnership level.
• Consistency of the projects with the institution's policy.
• Adequacy of resources to the proposed project and ability to mobilize additional resources.

See more about Context and Challenges, Application and Evaluation Criteria in the attached file.