Job Materials innovation institute (M2i) - PhD Researcher or Post Doctoral Researcher (SE2A-d)

M2i is currently seeking candidates for the following PhD or Post Doctoral Research position.

The project:

Smart sensing solutions are employed in modern cars to obtain more fuel-efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly transportation. However, the hash environmental and mechanical conditions in cars put strict demands on the electronic devices in terms of robustness and mechanical reliability. Specifically, a key failure mode of sensors and integrated circuits is the delamination of internal interfaces due to the hydro-thermo-mechanical loading.

To improve the reliability of automotive electronics, proper understanding of the interfacial failure processes and effective methodologies for interface strength characterization are needed.

Therefore, this research project aims to:

 (1) develop a generic microscale interfacial delamination setup that allows for well-controlled loading experiments of microscale test structures under in-situ electron microscopy visualization and

 (2) identify and unravel the physical deformation mechanisms that contribute to the interfacial failure processes, with a particular focus on geometrical aspects (layer thickness, interfacial conditions), physical aspects (adhesion), and loading conditions.

 To unravel the physical micromechanisms controlling the delamination dynamics, the experimental study will be complemented by multi-scale simulations that bridge the gap between:

•  nonlinear bulk mechanical behavior of the layers (material properties, layer thickness,…) at a 'macro'-level and
•  the local interplay between interface morphology, physical adhesion, mixed-mode loading, and possible defects at a 'micro'-level.

One of the main requirements for this project is a Master degree or (nearly) finalized PhD thesis within the field of Mechanical Engineering or Applied Physics. Furthermore, you have a strong background in experimental (micro-) mechanics and/or computational mechanics. Also, you have a sound knowledge of (advanced) microscopic measurement techniques is recommended as well as knowledge on the structure of commercial FE-codes.

 Further M2i requirements:

. Interest in applied scientific research,

. Well-developed communicative skills,

. Good proficiency in English (writing and speaking),

. Enthusiasm and team spirit.

When fulfilling this position as PhD researcher, you will be given the status of PhD Researcher and an employment contract for the duration of four years. You will have an employee status and will be entitled to benefit from all the employee benefits offered by M2i. The gross salary for the first year is EUR 2,242.00 per month. This amount increases to EUR 2,587.00 gross per month in the fourth year. The PhD thesis should be completed at the end of the 4th year term with the M2i. The researcher and the supervisor will draw up a plan for any additional training and supervision that is specifically needed.

 When fulfilling this position as a Post doctoral researcher, you will also be given an employee status. The duration of the employment contract will be for two years. You will also be entitled to benefit from all employee benefits offered by M2i.

Materials innovation institute (M2i)is one of the leading technology institutes in the Netherlands that was founded in 1997.  It is our vision to be the world-class institute for fundamental and applied research in the fields of structural and functional materials.

Please note that as of 15 January 2010, we will only process applications submitted through our website:  http://www.m2i.nl/researchers-and-students/job-opportunities

We therefore kindly request you to re-submit your application, following the guidelines on our website.