The last decades have seen remarkable progress in predictive computational modeling of microstructural evolution and macroscopic mechanical properties of metals. However, these high-fidelity models are only accurate when they use vast computational resources. Therefore, these models are viable for predicting a small set of macroscopic properties with known composition under particular processing conditions, but they are a major impediment to on-demand design of new customized metals with adequate performance for a given application.

Machine learning has emerged as a promising candidate to bypass the aforementioned limitations and enhance the classical computational modeling frameworks. This project will focus on developing fundamentally new physics-integrated deep learning framework for accelerating steel microstructure evolution models by orders of magnitude and enable fast macroscale property prediction and processing optimization, thereby opening avenues to novel materials-by-design.

The project presents a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative team and consortium of academic research groups and industrial partners. This position will be embedded in the research groups of Dr. Sid Kumar (Mechanics, Materials, and Computing Group, TU Delft; mech-mat.com) and Dr. Kees Bos (Tata Steel Europe and TU Delft) along with collaboration with Dr. Miguel Bessa (Brown University).

We are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications, knowledge and skills:

• A MSc. degree in computational mechanics, computational materials science, mechanical engineering, or applied physics.
• A strong interest in computational modeling, machine learning, and high-performance computing.
• Good programming skills in Python; affinity with machine learning tools is a plus.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details, please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.