The challenge

As product developers gain a deeper understanding of the potential offered by additive manufacturing and the design flexibility it provides, metal laser powder bed fusion has gained its position in a wide range of applications. However, the current emphasis is mainly focused on mono and graded-material components. By incorporating multi-material components, it becomes feasible to leverage the specific advantages of different materials based on the requirements of each component. For instance, in high-temperature heat exchange applications, it is possible to combine wear- and heat-resistant nickel alloys with copper, which possesses excellent thermal conductivity. This project is grounded on a disruptive approach: the right material in the right place with an arbitrary 3D material layout, for obtaining site-specific properties.

You will focus on the design aspects of structures with these new functional multi-materials: computational design of structural materials with a focus on Cu-based and Ni-based alloys in the same component. We would like to challenge you in the success of achieving such multi-material complex components that require a thorough understanding of the metallurgical structures, residual stresses, phase transformation, and crystallographic defects evolution under thermal mechanical loading conditions. You will closely work with other Ph.D. students and postdocs in our group to accomplish this goal.

As part of the Professional Doctorate in Engineering (EngD) program, you'll undergo a tailored traineeship comprising courses, workshops, assessments, and deepening the theoretical understanding acquired during your university education. You will apply all knowledge gained in this multidisciplinary design project. Your training scheme is customized to your personal and professional skills and the demands of this project.

• We are looking for an enthusiastic, professional, and ambitious graduated master's student, with the following profile:
• You have a master’s degree in the field of Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline with a proven affinity to multidisciplinary assignments.
• You have a strong and demonstrable background in Computational Design, numerical modelling , and Additive Manufacturing at the graduate level.
• You have the ambition and talent to accelerate in finding solutions for complex technological issues with a multidisciplinary character.
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You can work in a multidisciplinary team of researchers coming from various branches of science and industry.
• You are proficient in English.

• As an EngD at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for two years. You will join a stimulating scientific environment.
• The University offers a dynamic and stimulating environment with enthusiastic colleagues.
• You will receive a gross monthly salary of EUR 2.618,-
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A solid pension scheme;
• A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers, and other staff.

The project at the University of Twente brings together scientists from the Faculties of Engineering Technology (ET).

ET: The Faculty of Engineering Technology engages in the education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid, and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes, and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry, and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees, and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programs are closely connected with UT research institutes?Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center, and Digital Society Institute.

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before April 30, 2024, and include:

• Curriculum Vitae (including contact information for at least two academic references).
• A transcript of your Diploma, courses taken, and grades achieved
• Title and abstract of your Master’s project/thesis.
• A motivation letter explaining your interest in the topic of the research, your skills toward the goals of the project, and your personal traits (maximum one page).
• Candidates with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Davoud Jafari (davoud.jafari@utwente.nl) or Dr. Fengxian Liu (f.liu-3@utwente.nl).

The first (online) job interviews will take place May 7, 2024.