Topic of research: Large-scale additive manufacturing by laser powder deposition.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes for large scales, such as Laser Direct Metal Deposition, are based on repeatedly joining material in a locally melted zone and bonding it to a self-supporting substrate, building the desired product layer-by-layer. This manufacturing process creates a specific multi-layered microstructure with highly oriented interfaces and residual stresses originating from high temperature gradients and phase transitions, which will govern the mechanical performance of a printed product. The goal of this NWO TTW Perspective project is to obtain a multi-scale structure-property relationship for products made with large-scale laser powder deposition technique. The main challenge will be to obtain the orientation-dependent mechanical behaviour resulting from the spatially layered structure and graded microstructure, in particular the effect of interfaces including grain and phase boundaries, and defects. A phenomenological structure-property relationship will be established based on the morphological and mechanical characterization at different length scales. Successful realization of large-scale AM critically depends on the advanced control over local microstructures and properties. Materials knowledge is incorporated into optimization models that enable unique, ready to print designs; including the capability to tailor new and novel combinations of properties and gradients within monolithic structures.

Candidates should have a PhD degree in materials science and engineering. A strong background in additive manufacturing, laser materials processing, and in-situ microscopy will be a clear advantage. The successful candidate is expected to have an excellent academic record and is curious, creative and ambitious. You should be able to work in a multidisciplinary environment in close cooperation with other experts and be fluent in English (both oral and written).

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

The University of Groningen offers a salary dependent on qualification and work experience up to a maximum of € 3,358 gross per month for a full-time job (university scale 10.6), excluding a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an end year bonus of one month salary. The position requires residence in Groningen. The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another two years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year.

The preferred starting date is 1 September 2018 at the latest.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage currently more than 30,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and the top 100 universities in the world (see our ranking: www.rug.nl/about-us/where-do-we-stand/rankings, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), the ENgineering and TEchnology institute Groningen (ENTEG, see: https://www.rug.nl/research/enteg/) conducts engineering science research and covers a broad area of materials engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, biotechnology and information technology. The research group Advanced Production Engineering (APE) is focused on the development and deployment of advanced production technologies and manufacturing processes to improve product quality and production performance.
Synergy between experimental and modeling methodologies promotes (1) fundamental investigations into materials and interface properties, (2) the development of advanced tools for digital fabrication via subtractive and additive manufacturing, (3) the validation of predictive models used for process and product optimization and control, (4) advanced energy harvesting devices and self-powered sensors, and (5) efficient and novel combination of smart processes and complex materials for next-generation products. For more information about the APE group please use the following link: www.rug.nl/research/ape

One post-doctoral position is available in the APE group at ENTEG, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen.