Postdoc Additive manufacturing of Lightweight Alloys

Job description
A one-year postdoc position is open in the Advanced Production Engineering (APE) research group at the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG), Faculty of Science and Engineering. The appointment will focus on additive manufacturing of lightweight alloys.
Additive manufacturing (AM) offers virtually unlimited possibilities to realize any desired geometry. It is especially suitable for producing complex structures and internal features that cannot be manufactured using conventional subtractive processes. A current limitation of AM is the degraded dimensional control and surface integrity of specific surfaces. The objective of this SNN project is to enable high quality and high precision additive manufacturing of aluminum alloy components by addressing product structure, AM process and material properties related challenges in an integrated solution. The outcomes include material-centric design guidelines for geometric optimization to compensate shape deviation, post-AM heat treatment for tailored microstructure and experimentally validated physical model relating microstructure and material properties to the performance of stainless steel prints.
What are you going to do?
As a postdoctoral researcher you will:
Design thermally stable Al-alloys for additive manufacturing.
Develop material-centric guidelines for geometric optimization.
Post-AM heat treatment for tailored microstructure and properties.

Requirements
We are seeking a curious, focused, and collaborative researcher who thrives on challenges. You will be a strong candidate if you have:
A PhD degree in Materials Science and Engineering or a closely related discipline. A strong background in additive manufacturing, laser materials processing and metallurgy will be a clear advantage.
An excellent academic record and strong expertise in materials characterization.
An independent and creative mindset combined with the ability to work collaboratively.
Excellent English communication skills both written and oral.

Conditions of employment
Fixed-term
contract
: A fixed-term contract for the duration
of one-year supported by SNN project “3D Printkompas 2030“.
What can you expect from us?
232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

Employer
University of Groningen
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

Department
Faculty of Science and Engineering
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit
rug.nl/fse
.
You will be joining the vibrant and innovative Department of Advanced Production Engineering at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, where research and collaboration go hand in hand. Our team is composed of talented researchers and experts who are dedicated to advancing the field of sustainable materials. As part of a close-knit team focusing on cutting-edge technologies, you will work alongside specialists from diverse backgrounds to develop groundbreaking solutions. You will collaborate with industry partners, other academic institutions, and internal departments. The department fosters a culture of creativity and mutual support, ensuring a stimulating environment conducive to groundbreaking research.

Additional information
Do you have any questions or need more information?
Questions about the content of the job?
Yutao Pei (Full Professor):
Y.Pei@rug.nl
Questions about your application process?
David Wind (Managing Coordinator):
d.wind@rug.nl