PhD candidate on innovative metrology aspects for high power laser applications

We are looking for a PhD-student to strengthen our highly motivated and multidisciplinary research team, who will work on the monitoring and sensing of the fundamental physical phenomena occurring during laser-material interaction, in order to optimize laser-material processing for laser-based manufacturing, e.g. laser cladding.

THE BACKGROUND

High power laser beams are increasingly employed not only due to their commercial availability, but also for the ability to deposit high energy at localized area with controllable energy rate in order to achieve desired material properties. This photonics-based manufacturing technique leads to various laser-based manufacturing processes, including but not limited to, laser cladding, laser welding, laser implantation, laser ablation and laser etching. Metal additive manufacturing at large scale such as laser cladding is a well-established technique to reduce the cost of repairing or regenerating the damaged industrial components in energy, transport, waste, construction and manufacturing industries to name few. In comparison with conventional coating techniques such as plasma, thermal spray coating and arc welding techniques, laser cladding provides excellent metallurgical bonding, high precision and low distortion – offering substantial sustainability benefits in the terms of resource efficiency, product lifetime and value chain reconfiguration.

For examples of recent work done in this line of research, please check:

Bremer, S. J. L. et. al. (2023). Laser intensity profile as a means to steer microstructure of deposited tracks in Directed Energy Deposition. Materials and Design, 227, 111725.

Ur Rahman, N. et. al. (2019). Directed energy deposition and characterization of high-carbon high speed steels. Additive manufacturing, 30, 100838.

YOUR CHALLENGE

Laser-based Direct Energy Deposition (DED) is an Additive Manufacturing technique involving melting of feedstock on substrate resulting in high cooling rates, non-linear material properties at elevated temperature and differential shrinkage. Solidification initiates from the melt pool, and the associated parameters such as temperature, thermal gradient and geometry of the melt pool largely determines the quality of the cladded product. Measurement techniques to measure e.g., temperature, clad geometry, pressure, stress and flow rates are often trivial at low temperatures and/or during post-processing steps, however, in-situ, real-time insights into the melt-pool are either not possible, or cannot be performed easily at high temperatures. You will, as a PhD candidate, establish a more accurate, real-time (multi-) sensor-based monitoring approach in order to characterize melt pool spatio- temporally as well as spectro-thermally. To minimize individual sensor uncertainties and to maximize various sensor modalities, you will subsequently develop algorithms for sensor fusion, using Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning concepts, that can be employed in data, fusion or decision level to optimize strategies and real-time feedback for consistent, high quality production of metallic parts using laser based additive manufacturing. Such a sensing solution could also be scaled for different length and time scales. State-of- the-art laser facilities are available at the Chair of Laser Processing. You will also closely collaborate with researchers in other groups at the University of Twente.

If you are someone with a strong background in experimental optics involving high power lasers, preferably in imaging and spectroscopy, driven by curiosity, creativity, and dedication, we invite you to apply for this opportunity.

Your profile

You have a Master's degree, preferably with distinction (or international equivalent) in Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline;

Experience in (real-time) imaging and/or real-time spectroscopy is required.

Good knowledge/demonstrated awareness of sensor fusion and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning/Deep Learning concepts is preferred.

Knowledge of fundamental aspects of laser-material processing, as well as applied knowledge in laser based material processing techniques are an advantage.

Experience in using a range of technologies and techniques for surface characterization, e.g. SEM, EDX, AFM, etc., would be an advantage.

Ability to work in a laboratory environment and undertake experimental research.

Excellent analysis skills and an analytical mind- set, as well as excellent communication skills, including written.

English language proficiency. If you have not graduated in a country where English is the first language, then you will need to demonstrate your English proficiency by having passed IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum overall score for IELTS is at least 6.5 with no component being below 5.5.

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Please note that this vacancy is only open to female scientists. This is part of the University of Twente's strategy to increase the proportion of women among its faculty and to create a working environment that is diverse and inclusive and supportive of excellence in research and teaching.

Our offer

We offer a four-year fulltime PhD position.

We provide a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities. And we provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating research environment to accelerate your further professional and personal growth.

A starting salary of € GR1 2.770,- gross per month in the first year and increasing to € GR2 3.539,- gross per month in the fourth year.

An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus 8,3 %.

A solid pension scheme.

Minimum of 40 leave days in case of full-time employment.

The University of Twente is situated on a green and lively campus with lots of facilities for sports and other activities.

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

Information and application

Additional information about this position can be obtained from dr.ir. H. Mustafa, department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces & Systems (MS3), Chair of Laser Processing, University of Twente, see information

Please upload your application, including:

A full Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, references and, if applicable, a list of publications, as well as a summary (half page) of your last large deliverable (such as MSc thesis, final project report, etc.),

References (contact information) of two scientific staff members (such as the supervisor of your MSc thesis/final project) who are willing to provide feedback on our request. Further references (e.g. industrial supervisor or other mentors) can be additionally provided.

A Motivational letter (max. 1 A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position and research ideas for the PhD project.

As an appendix to the motivation letter, add (max. 1 A4) with your answers to the following questions (even though, in your CV, you might have already addressed those questions):

Do you have hands-on experience with experimental optical and/or laser setups? If so, what kind of setup(s)?

Do you have hands-on experience with (real-time) experimental imaging and/or spectroscopy setups?

Did you ever use material analysis and microscopy techniques? If so, which techniques?

Have you published any work in peer- reviewed publications? If so, in which publications (journal, conference, other) and how many?

Have you worked or studied in a country different to where you obtained your primary academic education? If so, where?

Do you have experience in numerical modelling of physical processes? If so, what process(es) and what software tools?

What is your IELTS/Cambridge English level?

A video (max. 2 minutes) describing your scientific interests and why you are applying for this position.

Submit your application no later than February 17th, 2024.

The first round of interviews will take place in the week 11 (March 11- 16).

A Game-Based assessment can be part of the selection procedure.

Starting date as soon as possible

About the department

THE CHAIR OF LASER PROCESSING

At the Chair of Laser Processing we study the fundamental physical phenomena occurring during laser-material interaction, in order to optimize laser- material processing for laser-based manufacturing. Based on the knowledge gained, we develop means and methods for monitoring/sensing and control of laser-material processing. Our research results (projects and publications) provide key enabling technologies for numerous new applications and innovative laser-based manufacturing. We are a group consisting of curiosity driven senior and junior scientists, which are well embedded within the department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces & Systems (MS3). Additional information can be obtained from the website Laser Processing Department

About the organisation

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in 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 programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more Mustafa, H. (Hasib)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Hasib for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534895191

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Feinaeugle, M. (Matthias)

Personal page

Römer, G.R.B.E. (Gert-Willem)

Personal page

Our mission Human Touch

At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

Our mission We help to strengthen society

We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

Our mission We are sustainable

We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

Browse all jobs