PhD position on innovative metrology techniques for high power laser applications

14 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Twente (UT)

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

30 May 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

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-based material processing techniques for sustainable manufacturing.
The Background
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 order to meet the increasing demand of greater accuracy and precision, while decreasing environmental footprint, development of highly sensitive optical methods for metrology and inspection is crucial for non-contact process characterization and unraveling the associated physical aspects. A combination of integrated metrology and real-time process monitoring, along with advanced data analysis methods could provide a step change in studying the laser-metal deposition techniques, detecting process non-conformance and anomalies, optimizing manufacturing processes and resolving commercialization challenges in production applications.
For examples of our 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].
• Ya, W. , et. al. (2015). Spectroscopic monitoring of metallic bonding in laser metal deposition. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 220, 276-284.
• Pohl, R. , et. al. (2014). High-resolution imaging of ejection dynamics in laser-induced forward transfer. In Proceedings of SPIE - the international society for optical engineering; Vol. 8967. SPIE.

Your Challenge
Measurement techniques to measure critical quantities during laser-based Direct Energy Deposition (DED) 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:

• Develop specialized measurement systems based on spatial, optical and spectral characterization for laser cladding setup with co-axial and/or off-axis powder injection,
• Design, construct and realize optomechanical systems in the laboratory,
• Establish a more accurate, real-time (multi-) sensor-based monitoring approach to characterize melt pool spatio-temporally as well as spectro-thermally,
• Develop algorithms for sensor fusion using Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning concepts to optimize strategies and real-time feedback.
• Collaborate closely with researchers in other groups at the University of Twente.

State-of- the-art laser facilities are available at the Chair of Laser Processing. We foster an environment of collaborative innovation and intellectual curiosity while continually challenging ourselves to expand the boundaries of our creativity.
If you are someone with a 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.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• 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.
• Knowledge of fundamental aspects of laser-material processing, as well as applied knowledge in laser based material processing techniques are preferred.
• Good knowledge/demonstrated awareness of sensor fusion and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning/Deep Learning concepts is 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.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Unleash your potential in cutting-edge research!

Additional Information
Benefits

• 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 € 2.770,- gross per month in the first year and increasing to € 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 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime 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 program as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

Additional comments

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 May 30th, 2024
The first round of interviews will take place in the week 23 (June 3-7).
A Game-Based assessment can be part of the selection procedure.
Starting date as soon as possible.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/341483/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Twente

Country

Netherlands

City

Enschede

Postal Code

7522NB

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/341483/phd-position-on-innovative-metrology…

Contact

City

Enschede

Website

http://www.universiteittwente.nl/

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Postal Code

7522 NB

STATUS: EXPIRED