The Solid State Materials Processing department of the Institute of Materials Mechanics, at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon is looking for a PhD student (m/f/d), starting as soon as possible, initially limited to 3 years, within the ERC Consolidator Grant MA.D.AM “Modelling Assisted Solid State Materials Development and Additive Manufacturing” (https://cordis.europa.eu/​project/​id/101001567/de). The PhD position is mainly modelling-oriented, focusing on thermodynamic modelling of phase formations under non-equilibrium process conditions in aluminium alloys. This includes the modelling of precipitation kinetics as well as the application of machine learning algorithms. Experimental aspects include in particular the investigation of the microstructure via metallographic methods as well as SAXS and WAXS measurements, allowing direct validation of the obtained numerical results, which will contribute to a further understanding of the considered thermo-mechanical process within the ERC Consolidator Grant project.

Equality of opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.

Your tasks

• execution and responsible handling of the research project funded by the European Union, i.e. the ERC Consolidator Grant MA.D.AM: "Modelling Assisted Solid State Materials Development and Additive Manufacturing"
• development of thermodynamic databases and computational models using the CALPHAD method to describe the phase formations during non-equilibrium processes
• development of precipitation models to describe the precipitation kinetics
• establishing phase diagrams for the considered aluminium alloy
• collaboration within an interdisciplinary team
• publication of the results in scientific journals and presenting at conferences

Your profile

• university degree in the field of physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, computer science or comparable (master's degree or equivalent)
• ability to work scientifically, usually proven by an above-average degree
• good knowledge in the field of thermodynamic modelling
• knowledge of microstructural evolution in metals is advantageous
• knowledge in the field of CALPHAD-based methods is advantageous
• knowledge in the field of density functional theory or ab-initio methods is advantageous
• very good oral and written expression in English, German is advantageous
• ability to work in a team and commitment to the work programme

We offer you

• multinational work environment with over 1,100 colleagues from more than 50 nations
• various opportunities to further develop your skills
• good possibilities to combine work and private life
• excellent infrastructure, including a scientific in-house library as well as modern work spaces
• compensation according to TV-AVH incl. social benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Welcome office, guesthouses
• company canteen
• possibility to enrol in the doctoral program (Dr.-Ing., Dr. rer. nat.) at the Leuphana University of Lüneburg