EngD Position on Additive Manufacturing of Shape Memory Alloys

Job description

The Challenge

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have gained significant attention due to their unique superelasticity and shape memory effect, allowing them to recover their original shape after deformation. The application of additive manufacturing (AM) technology for fabricating SMA products offers designers a unique solution to create intricate structures or parts with specific shape recovery performance, which can be used in the design and development of a wide range of smart products.

We are seeking an EngD Researcher who will focus on further developing laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of NiTi-based shape memory alloys for the design and development of architected structures. Particular attention will be given to the design process of the parts/structures to adjust the functional performance of the 3D-printed parts. Therefore, the programmability of the NiTi parts for different applications, such as loading-unloading cycling and shape recovery performance, will be further investigated in this project.

Applicants should have a background in metal 3D printing and material characterization processes. The applicant will collaborate closely with experts from various disciplines in both industry and academia and will also contribute to paper writing and project management during this period. This presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen professional skills and expand networks in this field. On successfully completing the program, you will receive a certified and recognized degree.

The assignment is part of the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) postmaster program at the university.  About 50% of the 2 year period will be directly focused on this assignment, while you will furthermore receive a tailored educational program. This educational part comprises of postmaster courses and  workshops and is preparing you for the management and execution of this and future design projects. You will be entitled to use the academic title of EngD and will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).

Your profile

• A Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline, with a background in additive manufacturing technologies, preferably in metal 3D printing.
• Strong expertise in material development and characterization techniques, including microstructural and mechanical analysis, such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and other relevant methods.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with an international scientific audience.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, contribute creatively to collaborative teams, and adapt to evolving requirements.

Our offer

• Full-time 2-year EngD position with a tailor-made post-master design program that has an educational component (50%) as well as a design project (50%).
• Access to a dynamic, high-quality, and collaborative research environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities in the forefront of additive manufacturing and smart materials research.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth within the interdisciplinary field of additive manufacturing and smart materials.
• Excellent working conditions in an exciting scientific environment, set in a green and lively campus.
• Dedicated mentorship and access to top-notch facilities.
• Inclusion in a professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente.
• A salary of € 2.618,- gross per month.
• Holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year for full-time employment.
• Full employee status at the University of Twente, including pension and healthcare benefits.

Information and application

To apply for this position, please submit the following documents before the application deadline of June 24th. Please note that the absence of any of these documents will result in your application not being considered:

To apply, please submit:

• A video (max 2 minutes) explaining your motivation for the EngD position and why you are the best fit, highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role, and include the link to the video in your CV.
• Curriculum Vitae (including contact information for at least two academic references).
• Bachelor's and Master's transcripts.
• Title and abstract of your Master's project/thesis.

This funded research involves close collaboration between the Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainable Products & Energy Systems (AMSPES) group and the Thermal Engineering (TE) group within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Twente. For additional information about this position, you can contact Dr. Mehrshad Mehrpouya at m.mehrpouya@utwente.nl or Dr. Mohammad Mehrali at m.mehrali@utwente.nl.

More information about the AMSPES group can be found on the following website: click here

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.